Workplace Legislation

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
States employees’ and employers’ duties with regard to health and safety
Employers have a duty to take responsible care of their own health and safety as well as that of their employees

Office, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963
States regulations which must be met by employers regarding working temperatures, toilet and washing facilities, first aid, space requirements, cleanliness

Equal Pay Act 1970
States that all employees should receive the same pay when work of equal value is undertaken

Race Relations Act 1976
Unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion or ethnic origin regarding recruitment, training, promotion, conditions of service

Sex Discrimination Act 1975
Unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of sex or marital status regarding recruitment, promotion, training, conditions of service
Victimisation and sexual harassment are unlawful

Employment Rights Act 1996
States duties and rights of employer and employee
Includes the right to a written Contract of Employment within 2 months of starting work
The right to an itemised pay slip
Rights of employees regarding Sunday working
Rights of employees regarding maternity and termination of
employment

Data Protection Act 1998
Data must be obtained fairly and lawfully
The organisation must register the purpose for which the information is held
They must keep records for no longer than necessary
The information must be up to date and accurate
Employees have a right to request to see information held about them and have it changed if incorrect
The information should not be used for any other purpose than that for which it was collected
They must take appropriate security measures to keep the information safe