Whether you’re dealing with a difficult employer, unfair treatment, or a complex workplace issue, there may come a point when you need expert help from an employment relations specialist. If you’re unsure whether you’re at that stage, here are five key signs that it might be time to seek professional advice.
1. Your Employer is Breaching your Contract
One of the most common reasons to consult an employment relations specialist is if your employer is not adhering to the terms of your employment contract.
The contract you signed when you were hired sets out the terms of your job, including your role, hours, salary, and any other agreed-upon conditions. If your employer has made significant changes to your job duties, work hours, or salary without your consent, this could constitute a breach of your contract.
If this happens, it’s important to seek advice quickly to understand your options, whether it’s negotiating a resolution, filing a personal grievance, or pursuing other legal remedies.
2. You are Facing Discrimination or Harassment
Discrimination and harassment in the workplace are serious issues, and employees who experience these behaviours are legally protected.
If you are being treated unfairly due to factors such as gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected characteristic under the Human Rights Act 1993, it’s best to seek assistance. Harassment, whether from a colleague or employer, creates a hostile work environment that can affect both your mental health and your career.
3. You’ve been Unfairly or Wrongfully Dismissed
Being dismissed or fired can be a challenging experience, and if you believe that your dismissal was unfair or wrongful, it’s critical to understand your rights. Employment laws protect employees from unjust dismissal, and employers must follow a fair process when terminating an employee.
If you’ve been dismissed without sufficient cause, or if the dismissal process was flawed (such as not being given a proper warning or opportunity to improve), it could be grounds for a personal grievance (within 90 days, or 12 months for sexual harassment). Seeking employment advice will help you determine whether you have a case for unfair dismissal, and what steps you can take to seek compensation or reinstatement.
4. You are Facing Workplace Retaliation
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activities, such as reporting illegal conduct, asserting their rights, or filing a grievance.
If you’ve raised concerns about health and safety or made a complaint about discrimination or harassment, and have subsequently experienced negative repercussions (e.g., demotion, reduced hours, or being treated unfairly), it may indicate retaliation.
Workplace retaliation is prohibited, and employees have the right to report such incidents without fear of reprisal. An employment relations specialist can help you assess whether you’ve been subjected to retaliation and guide you on the next steps to protect your rights and career.
5. You aren’t Receiving the Benefits or Pay you’re Entitled to
Another clear sign that you need an employment relations specialist is if your employer is not providing you with the benefits, pay, or entitlements you are entitled to.
This can include:
Unpaid wages or overtime
Failure to provide annual leave or sick leave entitlements
Incorrect pay deductions
Unlawful salary reductions or withholding of pay
If you suspect that your employer is not complying with the laws around minimum wage, holiday pay, or other employment entitlements, seeking assistance can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
How can an Employment Relations Specialist Help?
Employment relations specialists offer support and advice to employees facing workplace disputes. Their role includes:
Reviewing employment contracts and identifying potential breaches,
Advice on navigating discrimination, harassment, or retaliation claims.
Helping you file a personal grievance with your employer or the Employment Relations Authority (ERA)
Representing you in mediation and negotiations
Ensuring that you receive the pay and benefits you are entitled to
They can also help you understand the legal processes involved in resolving workplace disputes, making it easier for you to focus on your career and personal wellbeing.
Conclusion
While many workplace issues can be resolved through open communication and internal processes, some situations require professional intervention.
If you’re facing serious issues like discrimination, unfair dismissal, retaliation, or violations of your employment rights, an employment relations specialist can help protect your interests and ensure that you receive fair treatment. Recognising the signs early and seeking advice can help you address workplace disputes effectively, leading to a better outcome for both you and your employer.
Mahi Law can Help!
Our expert team will help you understand your employment rights, and pursue resolution (including compensation) through various channels, such as: Without prejudice negotiations, mediation, the Employment Relations Authority, or Employment Court if required.
We also work on a no-win, no-fee basis – if we win your case, your employer covers the costs.
Get in touch for a free consultation! You can fill out this form – or contact us at [email protected], or 0800 450 032.
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