HR Employee Legislation

Question 1

Describe Health and Safety at Work Act

Answer 1

Main piece of legislation covering health and safety in the work place and outlines responsibilities for both employers and employees.

Question 2

HASAWA employers responsibilities

Answer 2

• Carry out risk assessments to make sure all facilities meet minimal health and safety regulations such as ventilation and temperature
• Train staff so that they are knowledgable of the safety procedures
• Provide safety equipment and clothing for appropriate tasks
• Have an up to date health and safety policy

Question 3

HASAWA employee responsibilties

Answer 3

• Comply with all health and safety rules
• Report anything that could be a hazard such as spilled water, cables
• Do not interfere or misuse anything that has been put in place to maintain the health and safety of the workplace
• Do not do anything that will put yourself or others at harm
• Report any illness or injury that could affect ability to work

Question 4

Impact of HASAWA

Answer 4

• Increases costs as business has to provide company with all safety equipment
• If the business does not comply with HASAWA and this results in an accident, the company could face legal action from employees which will result in poor publicity and compensation having to be paid.
• If a business doesn’t comply, they can also be shut down temporarily to fix the problem or closed permanently.

Question 5

Describe Equality Act 2010

Answer 5

Prevents discrimination in the workplace and makes it illegal for any employee to be discriminated against for any of the 9 protected characteristics
(age, sex, pregnancy, religion, ethnicity)

Question 6

Impact of Equality Act 2010

Answer 6

• The business needs to ensure workplace is accessible for those with disabilities by installing ramps, lifts which can be costly
• Must provide training to prevent discrimination
• Employees must revise their job adverts to make sure there is no discriminatory wording and cannot discriminate during the selection process.
• If a business fails to comply with the equality act, they could face investigation and prosecution.

Question 7

Describe (National) Minimum Wage

Answer 7

Makes it a legal requirement for employers to pay their staff a minimum per hour, depending on their age and if they’re an apprentice.

Question 8

Impact of (National) Minimum Wage

Answer 8

• Companies paying the minimum wage will have an increase in costs every time the government increases it
• This could result in redundancies as the company cannot afford to continue hiring as many amount of staff
• If a company is being found to be paying less than the minimum wage, they will be taken to court by HMRC and be required to make a backdated payment to employees.