What Are Rights and Responsibilities?


A right is something a person is entitled to. In the workplace, the law sets out rights for both employees and employers.


A responsibility is something a person is required to do. In the workplace, both employees and employers have responsibilities they must meet under the law and under their contract.


Many rights an employee has are also responsibilities of the employer and vice versa.


For example, an employee has the right to work in a safe workplace, and the employer has the responsibility to provide a safe workplace for their employees.


KEYWORDS


Rights of Employees


Every employee in Ireland has rights that are protected by law. These rights apply whether the employee works full-time, part-time or on a temporary contract.


Right


To receive a written contract of employment


A fair day's pay for a fair day's work


Be paid at least the minimum wage


To work in a safe workplace


To be treated equally


Legal entitlements What this means for the employee


An employee is entitled to a written contract of employment that sets out their hours, pay and duties, so they know what is expected of them in work.


An employee must be paid the agreed wage for the hours they work.


The minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate set by the government. An employer is not allowed to pay below this rate.


Employees must be given proper training and safety equipment to reduce the risk of injury or illness at work.


An employee should not be treated less favourably than another due to discrimination on grounds such as gender, age or race.


An employee is entitled to rest breaks during the day and to be paid annual leave every year.


To join a trade union An employer cannot prevent an employee from joining a trade union, so the employee has support if a problem arises.


168 2


STRAND 2


CHAPTER 17:


Employer and Employee Rights and Responsibilities


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