Why employment law

It covers the rights, obligations, and responsibilities within the employer-employee relationship, including issues such as workplace safety, wages, workplace discrimination, and wrongful termination.

Employment lawyers typically specialize in representing either employers or workers, but rarely both. One thing to note on employment law is that while this field and labor law are often talked about interchangeably, and indeed share many overlapping characteristics, they are two distinct areas of practice.

The latter is distinct in the sense that it deals with issues such as unions and collective bargaining. Wondering whether a career in employment law is right for you? Aside from the variation in tasks and clients, each case brings a unique set of facts and allegations that are never boring and often require keen and creative legal analysis.

Cases and work assignments never feel overly routine or rote. In fact, this is a common response when employment lawyers are asked about the upsides of their career path. Not only do employment lawyers represent clients in a breadth and depth of industries, but this work is also vital in terms of ensuring the protection of the individuals who make up the workforce, with frequently arising topics including LGBT issues, gender, illegal immigration, elder law, disability, and bankruptcy.

Just as the world is constantly changing, so is the workforce and the employment laws that govern it. Employment lawyers must keep abreast of these changes, as old laws are amended, new laws are passed and judges interpret the subtleties of statutes. In view of the frequency with which employment-related cases reach the Supreme Court, keeping up with decisions that could alter the face of landmark statutes is both essential and exciting.

The dynamic and evolving nature of employment law ensures that attorneys will remain intellectually challenged throughout their careers. However, this may eventually become illegal to discriminate against someone because they are homosexual but otherwise qualified for the job. Employment law has also become increasingly globalized due to the breaking down of business borders.

The failure to understand and follow employment laws can lead to lawsuits from employees and settlement payments that can devastate a business. On the other hand, when the business ensures all laws are followed, it creates a more trusting and productive work environment. Employment laws ensure employees are able to work in a fair and safe work environment and provides that they are fairly compensated.

In return, workers often do their work with higher quality and enjoy each workday more. However, employment laws are intended to protect both the employer and the employee. Just as employers have a responsibility to hire qualified candidates without discrimination, provide a safe and fair work environment and fairly compensate employees , employers also have certain rights. Employees are expected to show up for work consistently, on time, and complete their tasks as established in the contract.

Employers have the right to terminate an employee if they feel they are not producing the desired impact on their business or if the business can no longer afford the employee. By understanding and following employment laws employers, as well as employees, remain protected.

Employment law exists to support the balance of employers and employees equally. It provides economic stability by giving employers the right to freely operate their business as long as they fairly treat employees and do not discriminate, harass, or expose employees to unsafe working conditions. Employment law is important for stabilizing an economy and increasing the quality of life within a country, state and locally by providing safe job opportunities.

One of the main purposes of employment laws is to ensure employees are protected from discrimination. Need additional resources? Need research and academic resources? Employment law topics. About employment law Access information on recent and forthcoming legislation, statutory rates, as well as resources explaining how employment law is made and the court system.

Topic pages Recruitment Employers: learn how to safely recruit within the law. Topic pages Terms and conditions of employment Guidance on the legal issues surrounding the terms and conditions of employment.

Topic pages Holiday entitlement and pay Guidance on the employment legislation governing holiday entitlement and holiday pay. Topic pages Working time Guidance on working time and working time regulations. Topic pages Health and safety Understand UK laws on health, safety and stress at work, including employers' obligations. Topic pages Maternity and parental rights Guidance on maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave and pay.