Ask Our Experts

We have recently launched a limited free service where we answer selected questions from our readers. Whilst there are no guarantees, if the question will be of general (wide) interest to our readers we do our best!

To submit a question [click here]

Below are 18 recent questions from the 'Ask Our Expert' section:

Can an Employer Change Our Holiday Arrangements?

The answer to this is basically yes, but you should have a say in the change. The most important thing to say at this point is that it is...

Can an Employer Pay Less than Minimum Wage?

Recent newspaper investigations have highlighted the practice of using catering staff tips to bring staff wages up to the level of the minimum wage,...

Can Employer Cut Wages Without Warning?

The short answer to this is ‘no’. The legally accurate answer to this is also ‘no, but the slightly longer and perhaps more realistic answer is...

Can Employer Take my Holidays Away?

Like many employment questions, this seems simple but is far from easy to answer in a clear cut way because there are so many different regulations...

Can My Employer Reduce My Working Hours

The first thing you need to do before you start panicking is to look carefully through your contract. Your contract of employment will hold the key...

Can They Cap my Compulsory Redundancy?

Firstly it must be pointed out that almost every redundancy situation is different to any other. They can also be different for individuals in the...

Compassionate Leave For a Funeral?

Sorry to hear about the death of your father in law. These things can never come at a good time but it makes the situation easier to cope with if...

Does Redundancy Notice Have to Be Made In Writing?

From what you say it sounds as though your current employer is not being very upfront about what is happening. If this is the case, and you feel...

Freelancer: Can I Qualify for Unemployment Benefit?

As you are unemployed, you may be entitled to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance. There are two elements to this. The ‘contributory’ Jobseeker’s Allowance...

How To Terminate Wife's Employment in Family Business?

Hello and thank you for your very interesting question. Essentially, the fact that your friend is married to the person in question is...

I Need Prescription Safety Glasses: Should Employer Pay?

Thank you for your question. There is Employment Law guidelines regarding eye tests and potential payment for glasses, which we will come to...

Not Allowed to Apply for Other Jobs: Is this Legal?

Hello and thank you for your question. Without wishing to sound entirely unhelpful, I have to say that this is a very grey area. While...

Sacked For Gross Misconduct: After One Minor Offence?

Thank you for your letter. I’m sorry to hear of your nephew’s current situation. I would first like to clarify if he has actually been...

Should I be Paid for Staying Late?

The short answer is that you almost certainly should be paid extra money for extra hours, but it depends on a lot of factors and actually getting...

Voluntary Redundancy: How Long Before Benefits Claim?

Unfortunately, the issue of redundancy and claiming benefits is gaining speed with the current global economic crisis, so you are right to look...

What Are My Rights During Probation Period?

I'm sorry to hear of your situation. In the current economic situation, losing your job is a really upsetting issue, even more so than usual....

What Are My Rights Regarding Hospital Appointments?

Employers are perfectly within their rights to ask employees to use their holiday allowance for medical appointments, except if the employee is...

Would Redundancy Pay be Based on Original Hours?

There are a number of issues that arise before you get to the point of working out the redundancy terms, and the number of hours that you work in a...