Employment Law Aberdeen News

An article from the New York Times has accused one of the world’s largest companies of mistreating employees and encouraging illegal working hours.

The North Sea oil industry could face strike action soon after trade unions rejected a pay deal that was tabled by chiefs in June.

Experts have warned that thousands more run the risk of losing their job in Aberdeen as a result of the oil crisis that has affected the prices of oil.

Case One : Mr Jones works as an assistant to a Managing Director in an advertising firm. Due to the nature of his employment, he frequently has to stay late in order to finish or prepare work for the following day. In Mr Jones’ contract of employment, it states that once he has worked more than 40 hours in a week, he is entitled to be paid overtime – however, he has never been paid overtime. His employer refuses to pay Mr Jones the additional pay that he is entitled to. Mr Jones has submitted a formal grievance to his employer but still he is not being paid the money due to him. Provided that Mr Jones adheres to the time limit of three months for bringing a claim, Mr Jones can bring his case to the employment tribunal. In his claim he could ask to be paid all outstanding overtime owed to him.

WITH the price of oil dipping below $50 a barrel for the first time in five years these are difficult times for employers and employees alike in Scotland – especially in the oil and gas industry.

Acas has published new guidance to help employers and HR professionals dealing with TUPE transfers understand the legal changes that came into effect on 31st January 2014.

Measures to help EU citizens who want to work in another member state by clarifying their right to freedom of movement, providing suitable means of redress at national level if they suffer discrimination, and setting up contact and information points in the member states have been adopted by employment MEPs.

Allowing workers to sit on company boards would not only mean top executives’ pay was set at more reasonable levels, but would also encourage the long-term success of individual firms, as both employees and directors worked together in the best interests of company performance, according to two reports published by the TUC.

Employees who are able to work from home are more productive than their office-bound colleagues because they are less distracted, grateful for the flexibility and the time they save on commuting is ploughed back into work.