Workplace myths
Test yourself by deciding if the following statements are
right or wrong...
-
Right or Wrong? I have to sign my contract of
employment for it to be valid
WRONG! If your employer issues you with a new
contract of employment and you work to the terms of that contract
you are bound by it as much as if you sign it.
-
Right or Wrong? My employer gives me six
months sick pay so I cannot be sacked before that runs out
WRONG! Your employer pays sick pay subject to
the rules of the scheme.
-
Right or Wrong? I am a part-time worker
facing redundancy but my employer must pay me the full-time
redundancy pay for those years I worked full-time
WRONG! Redundancy pay is defined as
compensation for the loss of your job and it is your salary at that
point in time that counts.
-
Right or Wrong? TUPE protection of your terms
and conditions only last for one year
WRONG! But neither do they necessarily last
forever - this is highly complicated contract of employment law so
contact your union when issues arise.
-
Right or Wrong? You are considering joining a
union but your employer tells you that you cannot because your job
role does not allow it.
WRONG! You and you alone decide if you wish to
join a trade union. There are no employees in publishing that are
excluded by reason of the job they perform.
-
Right or Wrong? The Human Resources team are
impartial
WRONG! Human Resources are part of the
management of the company. If you go to them to confide in matters
concerning your manager they are obliged to let the manager know.
Imagine if your problem became more serious later on or became a
legal matter. The manager concerned would not be happy to discover
then that you had approached HR!