We are all weathering this coronavirus storm, but what that means on a personal level is different for everyone. Hopefully, work is not one of the things causing you to worry, but what if it is?
Maybe you've been asked to do something by your employer which made you feel uncomfortable? Or you felt forced in to agreeing to do something because of coronavirus? Perhaps you're having to choose between shielding a vulnerable family member and coming to work? Are you doubting yourself and putting your feelings of concern down to the general uncertainty of the current times?
You're probably dealing with everything all at once right now and the mere idea of tackling a workplace issue might be too much. However, in the world of employment law and resolving workplace disputes, time is of the essence.
I want to help you. Here is my advice on how to protect your legal position at work in 3 steps:
-
Immediately: Write down what happened What happened? Where did it happen? Why? Who was involved? How did it affect you? Most importantly, WHEN?
-
ASAP: Contact your employer in writing to tell them that you're not comfortable and reserving your acceptance of the situation until you've had further time to reflect. It's particularly important to be clear with your employer that you have not agreed to or accepted a situation simply by staying quiet. You should look at your company grievance procedure to see what you need to do.
-
DIARISE: Count forward 3 months starting with the date of the incident, then take off one day and give yourself a reminder in your calendar so you don't forget. Employment tribunal litigation must be started within a certain time limit of the act complained of, otherwise you will be out of time and lose the opportunity. For example, if you were underpaid on 20 April 2020, count forward 3 months (May (1), June (2), July (3)) and then take off one day (20th July - 1 day = 19th July) and then diarise 19 July 2020 as your last opportunity to start a tribunal litigation process.
For more information on the employee rights you might not know you have, click here.
Need help? Call Howells Employment on 029 2043 7484 and let us support you.
Gemma Bailey is a Partner at Howells Solicitors and Head of the Employment Litigation and Disputes department.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general information and should not be used as specific legal advice. We encourage you to speak to one of our employment solicitors if you have questions about your own case.
