EMPLOYMENT LAW EDINBURGH

Do you need to speak to a specialist employment lawyer in Edinburgh?

nowinnofee 500 Finalist1

 

Contact Us

Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
What type of help do you need? Invalid Input

Pick tick to confirm you have read this.
Anti-spam Verification(*)
Invalid Input

Employment Lawyers Edinburgh

For advice on all aspects of employment law, contact us today.

  • Home
    Home This is where you can find all the blog posts throughout the site.
  • Categories
    Categories Displays a list of categories from this blog.
  • Tags
    Tags Displays a list of tags that have been used in the blog.
Posted by on in Employee Law
  • Font size: Larger Smaller
  • Hits: 1061
  • 0 Comments

Employment Law: Major Changes for Small Businesses in 2016

With Edinburgh home to a number of new start up companies and technology firms, it is likely that the number of small businesses will continue to grow and develop in the capital, however, with 2015 being a huge year in regards to changes in the employment sector, we look at what 2016 may hold and what small businesses will need to bear in mind.

We take a look at what is likely to happen and what employers must be mindful of in the year ahead.

Changes to The National Minimum Wage

One of the most discussed changes in the employment sector is the introduction of the new national minimum wage and the increase of said wage under the rebranding to the National Living Wage. From the 1st April, the wage will increase for all staff aged 25 or over to £7.20 an hour. As part of the proposal, the new minimum wage will rise to £9 by 2020. Despite the increase being beneficial for staff, it is likely that small businesses may struggle to balance the books, however, this does not justify underpaying staff.

If you believe you are underpaid or if you are not obtaining the minimum wage in your workplace, you could be entitled to take legal action.

Changes to Zero Hour Contracts

Zero hour contracts are arguably one of the most unpopular aspects for some in the UK with such contracts not guaranteeing regular hours, a recent change to the law has seen the removal of exclusivity clause meaning that employees can work elsewhere and not be dismissed. In the past some employers would dismiss staff for working elsewhere despite no regular hours.

If you are are on a zero hour contract and still have a exclusivity clause, or if you are dismissed from your place of work for working on another contract, you could take legal action citing unfair dismissal.

Steps Taken to Tackle Gender Inequality

Despite many initiatives to reduce the gender pay gap it remains a major issue in the UK. Last year it was announced that the gap had closed by a mere .2% however, with more efforts in place this year with employers forced to disclose staff wages and bonuses, gender inequality may reduce in 2016.

If you are being discriminated against, overlooked for a promotion or treated unfairly in the workplace, our team of expert solicitors can help. Discrimination in the workplace can occur due to gender, age, sexuality and even race. If you are being discriminated against, our team of expert lawyers can obtain the justice that you deserve.

Employment Solicitors Edinburgh: Contact Us

For any legal advice or representation in an employment matter, whether it is in an employment tribunal or if you believe you have been dismissed unfairly, our team of expert solicitors can help. Contact us today using our online contact form.