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Legal Definition of Employment Law

There is an ever increasing number of legislative 'dos and don'ts' in the workplace. This page explains the legal definition of employment law in the United Kingdom.

EMPLOYMENT LAW MEANING: UK statute laws remain as the crux for complaints from business owners and employers.

You may wonder why so many UK employment laws exist. Why should you even bother getting free legal advice about the working laws and the great British governmental red tape?

Successive governments have promised – in their election speeches – to help cut red tape for business. After getting elected to office, they are soon aware of the fact that they are not full masters of the situation.

But, the existing and established UK employment law is difficult to change.

There needs to be more ‘informed’ negotiation with interested parties before many aspects of workplace law can change.

Add to all that, we have an organisation – The European Union – that has different views to the United Kingdom. Thus, differences exist in what should and should not be considered good – or bad – working conditions and terms of employment.


Employment Law Definition UK

The United Kingdom defines employment as ‘a contract of service‘. It is an agreement whereby mutual obligations exist between employers and employees. An occupational contract grants the employer control of when, and how, the work should get completed.

In fact, to make matters even more confusing, there is no standardised acceptance of how the phrase ’employment laws’ should be represented.

There are those that call the same set of rules ‘the labour law’. Whereas, others think they are right by spelling it as ‘labor laws’.

In simple terms, employment laws mediate an alliance. That union occurs between employees (the workforce) and employers (the management).

We must also include the associated government and trade unions – or collective labour law. It belongs to any discussion on the complex topic of legislation in the workplace.

A personal ‘relationship of service’ ensues. As a rule, the employer provides the employee with premises and enough tools to perform a task. The employer then makes a payment to the worker for performing the agreed task.

Financial compensation is usually awarded to the worker at an hourly rate of pay or base salary. Employment lawyers often refer to this as a ‘master and servant’ alliance.

Be sure to check out and browse through the list of employment law acts guide. It will keep you abreast of the main rules and regulations that affect most working activities.

Note: Employment laws and legislation differ between countries inside and outside the United Kingdom. Thus, it is advisable to review the freely available governmental rules and regulations most relevant for your country.


What is Employment Law Definition in the United Kingdom