Employee rights for women employees
We are all equal in the workplace but some of us are more equal than others… as George Orwell almost said. The UK’s #EmployeeRightsDay
It’s the UK’s first Employee Rights Day!
1. Equal Pay
There may have been legislation on this since 1970, but it seems that employers are still playing catch up. Gender pay gap reporting was rolled out to include many employers this year. It shows a narrow pay gap between men and women in their 20s but one that widens with age, particularly in senior executive roles. A good start, but we have some way to go.
2. Sexual Harassment
The #MeToo campaign has shone a light this year on how far we have to go, but the legislation does protect against unwanted conduct in the workplace and gives recourse to the Tribunal when it occurs.
3. Equal Treatment
The right to not to be treated differently because of sex, marital status, or gender assignment are some of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
4. National Minimum Wage
Women make up a large part of our low paid workforce. The National Minimum Wage offers a minimum hourly rate of pay. Whilst it should be a living wage, at least it sets the bar to stave off exploitation of our lowest paid. Check out the 2020 minimum wage now to ensure you are getting your entitlements.
5. Maternity Pay
The right to receive crucial pay for up to 39 weeks following the birth of a child.
6. Right to Return
Women have the right to return to their own job in the first six months following their maternity or adoption leave and a comparable job in the following six months.
7. Shared Parental Leave
Gone are the days when taking time off to look after a new baby or child was for women only. Both parents now have the right to share parental leave and take time off in the first year of a new child in a family. The more men take parental leave will be a crucial part of developing a flexible approach to work and family life that will smash through the glass ceiling.
8. Time Off Work for Family and Dependents
Emergencies happen and kids get sick. You have the right to take reasonable time off to look after dependants in an emergency. You don’t have the right to pay, but it is a start.
9. Flexible Working
The right to request flexible working has been an important feature of workplace rights for the last 16 years. This allows for compacted hours, job shares, part-time jobs and home working.
10. Reasonable Adjustments for Carers
This hasn’t happened yet, but we are hoping for change to the Equality Act to offer reasonable adjustments for those with caring responsibilities. Former Monaco Solicitors lawyer, Ellie Reeves MP, is co-sponsoring an Early Day Motion to make this change.
You should also find out what to do if you are bullied at work.
What employee rights for women would you like to see in the future?
https://www.monacosolicitors.
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Monaco Solicitors was shortlisted in the Law Society 2018 Excellence Awards in the category of ‘Excellence in Technology and Innovation.’ This website was the reason for this prestigious shortlist, especially our unique settlement agreement calculator.You can see the shortlist on the Law Society website here.
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Kate Davis-Holmes
Award-winning writer, blogger, social media consultant and charity campaigner. Social Media Manager for BritMums, the UK's largest parent blogging network Freelance clients include Firefly Communications and Save the Children UK. Works with brands on marketing projects. Examples include Visit Orlando, Give As You Live, Coca-Cola and Kodak. Cambridge Law graduate with many years experience working across three sectors in advice, media relations, events, training and project management. Available for hire at affordable rates.
19 Comments
Millie
Thanks for sharing this post! It’s good to remind yourself of what rights you have and I like the message behind your blog so I shall be reading some more!:)
ambitiousturtle24
I found this post incredibly informative! Taught me alot I didn’t actually realise. Thank you for sharing #dreamteam
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
He’s ssooooo right!
Heather Keet
What a great day to celebrate! #DreamTeam
nightwisprav3n
America is still behind on many of these things too. We have groups fighting hard but our politicians are either stuck in their old ways or too busy fighting each other to care. We will get there eventually. Change is coming! #MMBC
Kim Carberry
This is so interesting to read. I knew some of it but not all of it. x
Diana Haddad | The Golden Lining
Employment law was one of my favorite classes at university and for a fantastic reason! If you don’t know the law, you don’t truly know your rights and you end up getting kicked in the butt for it. As an American working in hospitality, I still face some of these things, especially sexual harassment. When customers are spending big bucks, companies expect you to keep your mouth shut if you are sexually harassed. Speak up and you are gone in a second because temp culture makes employees feel as if they are 100% replaceable.
An Ordinary Mom
It’s interesting to read what different countries provide for their citizens. #TwinklyTuesday
JakiJellz
Really interesting Kate – Thanks for joining #TriumphantTales, hope to see again you next week!
Coombe Mill
We have come so far with women’s rights, sometimes understanding just what our position is can be tricky, this is a lovely clear way to set things out. Thank you #ABloggingGoodTime
Rosie Doal
Definitely a great day to mark – and remind ourselves we have so many rights, let’s make sure we use them and help others who don’t know x #ThatFridayLinky
diynige
This post has really educated me very informative Thanks for linking to #Thatfridaylinky hope to see you next week
Tracey Carr
Well worth highlighting Kate, thanks for bringing it to our attention #ablogginggoodtime
Tracey Carr
back from #thatfridaylinky
Navigating Baby
Great informative post. Thanks for sharing with us on the #DreamTeam
Kate (@Newmummykate)
Interesting and informative, many thanks for sharing and linking up #twinklytuesday
Mummy & the Mexicans (@ruthhilbrown)
We’ve come a long way, but we’ve still got a long way to go. And Mexico is way behind…how I’d love to have 39 weeks maternity leave. I have to go back to work in a week after less than 8 weeks. #bloggerclubuk
thisscribblermum
Great post! It’s important to always know your rights. #TriumphantTales
loopyloulaura
It’s so important to protect the rights of all employees and to be aware of the challenges workers face in the modern world. Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging