Work
What do you need help with?
The Citizens Advice guide to dealing with a problem at work can help you understand your options, which go from informal to formal. You can contact the Acas helpline (0300 123 1100) for advice before you do anything, they can help you understand your rights and the best approach for solving your problem.
You may also want to use the GOV.UK employment status tool to check your status. You have different rights depending on whether you’re an employee, worker or self-employed.
Citizens Advice have guides to help you check if your dismissal is unfair and check if your employer’s dismissal process was unfair. You have more protection from dismissal if you’ve worked for your employer longer than two years, but it’s always unfair if you’re dismissed for a reason that is automatically unfair or because of discrimination.
If you think that your employer has done something wrong you have 3 months less a day to challenge your dismissal.
If you decide not to challenge a dismissal Citizens Advice have a guide to what to do after you’ve been dismissed, including:
- Checking that you’ve been paid all the money you’re entitled to
- Getting help finding a new job
- Getting a reference from your old employer
- Claiming benefits
- Making a career change.
Employers shouldn’t treat you unfairly or differently because of who you are. You can use the Citizens Advice website to check if your problem at work is discrimination. The Citizens Advice guide to discrimination at work can help you understand your rights and how to solve your problem.
Discrimination is a complex topic and you may want to contact one of the organisations below for assistance. If you’re a member of a trade union you should contact your local representative first, as they should be able to help and may be able to arrange legal advice.
Your employer should follow the Acas Code of Practice when taking disciplinary action against you. The Code of Practice sets standards for fairness that apply to both employers and employees. You may need to take advice if you feel that your employer isn’t treating you fairly or following the rules, the Acas helpline (0300 123 1100) is a good place to get initial advice about this.
Information and self-help resources
Information from Citizens Advice about your rights at work and how to solve problems:
- leaving a job
- problems at work
- discrimination at work
- your rights if you’re under 18
- accidents at work
Free information and advice for employers and employees. Includes leaflets, handbooks guidance and templates.
Check your status and your rights with the Gov.uk employment status tool.
Organisations that can help
Advice about employment issues, with a free initial assessment, low cost services and free advice for London residents on a low income.
Phone: 0208 767 2777 (read about call charges)
Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm
https://swllc.org/get-advice/work/#
Free and impartial advice about issues in the workplace. Acas can:
- explain the law and your rights
- talk you through your options
- explain the benefits and risks of each option.
Acas are also responsible for early conciliation, the mediation process you have to go through before filing a claim against an employer.
Phone: 0300 123 1100 (read about call charges).
www.acas.org.uk
Phone advice about issues relating to equality and human rights, including discrimination at work. Advice is available in BSL via video chat.
Phone: 0808 800 0082 (read about call charges)
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm
Saturdays, 10am to 2pm
Text Service: 0808 800 0084
https://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/
Support overcoming barriers to finding work, including advice about CV preparation and self-employment.
Phone: 0203 418 0420 (read about call charges)
www.renaisi.com
Support for refugees who are looking for work.
Phone (South London): 07990 016 777 (read about call charges)
Phone (West London): 07908 801 286 (read about call charges)
www.breaking-barriers.co.uk
Support to find work placements and employment for single mums, young people and victims of domestic violence.
Phone: 0207 498 0311 (read about call charges)
Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm
www.stormempowerment.com
Still need help?
Find out how to contact us if you haven’t been able to resolve your problem using the information above.
Please bear in mind that we are a local charity and demand for our services is high. You may have to wait to speak to one of our team and we can’t offer everyone an appointment with an adviser.