5. What are an employee’s rights and responsibilities? All employees have rights and responsibilities that should be respected.
Employers who do not respect the legal rights of their staff can be prosecuted. Employees who do not behave responsibly can lose their jobs.
RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES
• To receive a written contract of employment setting out the terms and conditions of their job.
• To receive the agreed wage for work done. For adult workers, this wage should not be below the legal national minimum wage.
• To receive a printed or electronic pay slip with their wages.
• To be provided with a safe and healthy workplace.
• To receive the legally correct number of holidays.
• To be allowed to join a trade union if they wish.
• Not to be discriminated against on the basis of age, gender, religion or race.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYEES
• To obey the terms of their contract of employment in relation to working hours, holidays, reporting lines, etc.
• To follow any company rules or regulations.
• Not to reveal confidential information about the company to people outside the business.
• To be honest and trustworthy at all times.
• To respect the property of the business. • To behave in an environmentally responsible manner, by not wasting resources or polluting the environment. • To work to the best of their ability.
Your Working Life LO 2.4
Research
The national minimum wage is the lowest pay per hour that an adult (over 18) can be paid. Any employer paying lower than the legal minimum is breaking the law. Go to www.citizensinformation.ie or www.workplacerelations.ie and find out what is the current national minimum wage for adult employees in Ireland.
6. What are an employer’s rights and responsibilities?
Employers can be large companies employing thousands or a single self- employed person who employs one or two people.
