What are Fair Working Practices?

12 August 2021 | Blog

Every employee deserves to have access to fair working practices. The Scottish Government have launched a document that includes information on fair working practices and how this can benefit the workplace.  

This document separates these practices into 5 different dimensions of the Fair Work Framework. This includes security, respect, opportunity, fulfilment, and effective voice.  

Scottish Enterprise, in collaboration with the Scottish Government, Fair Work Convention and other partners, have created a helpful tool to help you understand and put into practice the dimensions of Fair Work. It will help your business to take the next step on your Fair Work journey. Find out more and register on the Fair Work website now.

In the meantime, here are a range of practices to check over to ensure you are following government recommendations when it comes to the Fair Work Framework:   

Trade Union Representation:  

Trade Union Representation ensures employees have a voice that is heard. This is an important aspect of Fair Work that the Government recommends all work places provide. 

The framework displayed evidence that many employees prefer having a representative available to voice their thoughts and feelings on certain problems. Some employees may also feel uncomfortable to voice issues directly to managers so trade union support can be a great way to relay that message in the most constructive way.    

This representation can reduce absence and increase productivity as employees feel protected and heard. In addition, creating a better relationship between the workforce and management.    

Fair Contracts  

A contract of employment is an important document that you and your employee can abide by throughout their employment. In addition, if you want to retain good employees, you should ensure this is fair. The document states that certain flexible working such as zero-hour contracts are not fair work as the risk falls mainly on the employee.   

Offering a Fair contract to new employees will show from the offset that you are an employer that cares about your employees by putting them first. The main benefits include lower staff turnover, less sick days, and a happier workforce.   

Umbrella Companies  

An umbrella company is an organisation that works as an employer to agency workers who work under temporary contract assignments. The framework states that inappropriate use of these companies can be seen as unfair.  

Inappropriate actions can include charging workers administrative fees, deductions from wages, not providing correct payslips, moving employees to such companies without letting them know, and to use them to reduce employee rights such as sick pay and holiday pay.  

Inclusivity and Diversity  

It’s important to promote and support diversity in the workplace. An inclusive environment allows everyone to feel equal and able to reach their full potential.  

Diversity must start from the top. You should look at your board and make sure there’s as much equality as possible. A diverse board will offer fresh perspectives and a wide range of experiences. Your team and customers will also feel more represented. 

Training & Development 

Employees want to be developed. If you don’t take the time to do so, you’ll likely lose a lot of young talent. Personal growth and career progression are key aspects of producing high-quality work.  

Flexible Working 

Helping employees achieve a good work-life balance will create a happier and more productive workplace. This flexibility can include working from home, part-time hours, hybrid working, flexitime, and job sharing. In addition, a flexible workplace for all workers is a fair workplace.  

You can find out more about the fair working practices document here. If you would like help to make your business a fair place to work, contact us now.  

Related Topics

Understanding the New Employment Allocation of Tips Act 2023

Understanding the New Employment Allocation of Tips Act 2023

From 1st October 2024, under the Employment Allocation of Tips Act 2023, employers must ensure that tips, gratuities, and service charges are given to their workers in full, without deductions, and are distributed fairly and transparently. The treatment of tips in the...

Autumn Budget: how this affects UK businesses

Autumn Budget: how this affects UK businesses

In the first Autumn budget since the Labour Government came into power, Chancellor, Rachel Reeves announced a range of measures to ''fix the foundations of the economy and deliver change by protecting working people.''  Most significant measures included an increase...

Secondment Guide: What They Are and How They Work

Secondment Guide: What They Are and How They Work

In today's dynamic business world, companies need to be agile and innovative to stay competitive. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by broadening employees' skills and experience. Secondments are an increasingly popular approach to achieving this. This...

Constructive Dismissal Payout: Minimising The Risks

Constructive Dismissal Payout: Minimising The Risks

Constructive dismissal is a term used in UK employment law to describe situations where an employee feels they have no choice but to resign due to their employer's conduct. When an employee successfully proves this in a tribunal, they may be awarded a constructive...

Meet our Marketing Executive, Welcome Back Shannon!

Meet our Marketing Executive, Welcome Back Shannon!

We are excited to welcome back Shannon, our Marketing Executive, who has returned to work after eight-months of maternity leave. As Shannon settles back into her role, we thought it would be a great opportunity to catch up with her. We asked her a few questions so you...

Are you ready to elevate your HR strategies?

Connect with our expert team for tailored solutions and insights. Call The HR Booth at 01383 668178 or reach out via email at info@thehrbooth.co.uk or use the contact form.

Let’s transform your human resources approach together!

Privacy Preference Center