New job, new you

1. At a job interview, remember that the possible employer (boss) cannot ask you any questions that might discriminate(show prejudice/bias) against you.
2. You should make sure that your working hours are within legal limits.
3. Find out if you are expected to work overtime, on Sundays, at night or over public holidays – and if so how you will be compensated(repaid) – either in money or time off.
4. Make sure that you will be given a one hour meal interval (break) for every five.
5. Ask your employer what leave (annual/ sick/ family responsibility/ maternity or paternity) you are allowed:
   1. Then check with a Legal & Tax lawyer that the amount of days they offer are with the legal requirements (conditions).
   2. Also check what the rules are in terms of providing a medical certificate for when you take sick leave.
6. You can also ask your employer about whether there is a trade union representative at your work.
7. Check with your employee what specific rules for conduct(behaviour) are expected for your job.
   
8. Ask your employer how they protect you from any health and safety concerns (worries) that you might have about the kind of work that you do.
9. When you start a new job, your employer must give you a written contract that:
   • The full name and address of the employer.
   • Your(the employee’s)name and a description of what work you have been hired to do.
   • A list of the placeswhere you are expected to work.
   • The date your job starts.
   • How many hoursand how many days you are expected to work.
   • How much you will be paid.
   • What you will be paid for overtime and any other payments (such as allowances) that you will be given.
   • Howoften you will be paid.
   • Any money that might be deducted (taken away) from your wages.
   • What leave you are allowed to take.
   • How much notice (advance warning) you need to give your employer if you want to leave your job.
   • Information about any related bargaining council or sectoral determinations (specific rules that apply to specific kinds of work).
   • A list of documents that make up the contract of employment. The employer must also state where the employee can get a copy of these documents.
   • A note must be made if work you have done before counts towards time already employed by this company.
   • If any of these details change, this must be recorded in writing.
   • If you struggle to understand the written information, your employer must explain it to you in a language with which you are comfortable.

10. Your employer is also expected to put up a notice that lists your (and all employee’s)legal rights at your workplace.

This notice must be in the languages that are spoken at your workplace.

Remember that in order to make sure that the requirements (demands) of a job are fair to you, your best companion is a Legal&Tax Lawyer.

With Legal&Tax you’re not alone

Contact us for expert legal advice and assistance.

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