An Overview of Human Rights Laws

The Human Rights Act 1998 makes it easier to enforce the rights outlined in the European Convention on Human Rights. The 1998 Act makes it possible for British Courts to hear and rule on cases covered by this European legislation. The terms of this European protocol mean that all public authorites have to comply with all aspects of the Convention; the only exception being where domestic laws make it impossible for that to happen.

Not all employers are categorised as public authorities however. Therefore, most employees are not able to directly sue their employers for human rights breaches. Yet, employment tribunals are public authorities, so do have to take human rights legislation into account, though they have to consider the Convention when making their rulings. This effectively means that the European legislation does have a significant impact on all employers, even those who are not public authorities.

Call Hylton Potts on 0207 381 8111 or send us an email to make an appointment and find out more about human rights legislation.