Key Skill: Differentiate between legal, social environmental and ethical rights and responsibilities of employees and employers.
A) Decide whether each statement is a right or a responsibility of an employee. 1. To receive at least the minimum wage. 2. To follow health and safety procedures in the workplace. 3. To join a trade union. 4. To be treated equally and not be discriminated against. 5. To not disclose confidential information. 6. To receive a written contract of employment. 7. To be punctual and attend work on time
Rights of Employers Right
To make business decisions
To hire the most qualified staff
To dismiss staff for breaching their contract
For business information to be kept confidential
To expect environmentally friendly behaviour
To have business property respected
What this means for the employer
An employer can make decisions on how to run their business, as long as employment law is followed.
An employer can choose to hire the most suitable candidate that applies for a job, so the business has the skills it needs.
An employer can legally dismiss an employee for poor behaviour or breach of contract.
An employer has the right to expect employees not to share private business or customer information.
An employer can expect employees to recycle, save energy and avoid waste at work, so the business does less harm to the environment.
An employer can expect employees to look after equipment, stock and tools, so the business avoids the cost of replacing damaged items.
For a question, ‘To hire staff’ does not have enough context. ‘To hire the most qualified person that applies for a job, so the business has the skills it needs’ would be better as it adds context.