Topic Summaries

Employment law protects workers and governs how businesses recruit, pay, and treat staff. Major UK laws include the Equality Act 2010, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the National Minimum Wage Act 1998.

• Recruitment: must be fair and non-discriminatory. Employers cannot reject applicants based on protected characteristics such as age, race, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Pay: employers must pay at least the National Minimum Wage (or National Living Wage, depending on age). Failing to meet this requirement can result in heavy fines and public “naming and shaming.”
• Health and safety: businesses must provide a safe working environment, including risk assessments, safety equipment, and training. For example, a factory must provide ear protection if noise exceeds legal limits.
• Anti-discrimination: all employees must be treated equally. Discrimination during recruitment, promotion, pay, or dismissal is illegal.