Talk to the CAB for advice and help on working rights
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Help at Hand column from East and Central Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau. Written by Peter Wardhaugh, a senior adviser in money and debt at East Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau.
Over the last six months, more and more people have been turning to the bureau for advice on employment and redundancy.
Until a last-minute change, the furlough scheme had been winding down, creating yet more uncertainty for employees and small businesses.
As we head towards
the end of the year we expect to see employment inquiries increase again as the prolonged impact of virus restrictions lead to difficult choices for employers.
In a new poll for Citizens Advice Scotland, it is clear many people are unsure of their employment rights.
The poll found 84 per cent of people are unsure about their redundancy rights (including 55 per cent who knew nothing, or not very much, and a further 29 per cent only knowing a little).
Also, 39 per cent of people in work or on furlough are worried
about future job security.
There are rules employers must follow relating to redundancy, regardless of how long someone has worked for them, and we want to make sure employees know them.
Facing the risk of redundancy or being made redundant can be distressing, affecting many areas of your life, but being provided with information can help bring clarity to an uncertain situation.
As well as the risk of redundancy you may be “laid off” by your employer, put on reduced hours or told to take unpaid holiday if your employer does not have enough work for you.
Your employer can only lay you off or reduce your hours if your contract specifically says they can.
If it’s not mentioned in your contract, they can’t do it without your agreement.
Your contract can be written, a verbal agreement or whatever normally happens in your company.
If your contract doesn’t allow lay-off or reduced working, you should highlight this.
If an agreement can’t be reached you can stay in the job, but claim unpaid wages through an employment tribunal or resign and claim your wages, again at tribunal.
Ensure you do what you can to reach an agreement with your employer before considering an employment tribunal, if you are unsure, you can always contact the bureau to discuss your issue.
If redundancy is inevitable and you’ve spoken to the bureau about your rights, there are things you can do to prepare for after redundancy.
Money may be tight, so seek out advice on managing any debts, and check if you are entitled to any benefits. Ensure your redundancy agreement contains everything to which you are entitled – you can check the redundancy pay you are entitled to on the redundancy calculator on the government website and you may be due holiday pay or expenses too.
Partnership Action for Continuing Employment is the Scottish Government’s initiative to help people facing redundancy or have been made redundant. They can help with CV writing, looking for and applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and can even source funding and learning opportunities.
Our advisers can help you sort though the issues that concern you and work with you to get help and support to overcome these challenges.
You don’t need to go through this alone.
n Peter Wardhaugh is a senior adviser in money and debt at East and Central Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau.
