The report, Vulnerability and adverse treatment in the workplace, commissioned by the BIS finds that certain features of the external labour market, the product market, the employing organisation and the job, as well as characteristics of the employee themselves, each serve to increase the likelihood of adverse treatment.
The report reveals that factors indicating increased vulnerability include a worker’s lack of other opportunities in the labour market, lack of a written contract of employment, age (younger workers were worse off), long-standing health problems and a worker’s own financial difficulties. In some cases an absence of unionisation (or the absence of a threat of unionisation), lack of awareness of Acas, and not being heterosexual also made employees more vulnerable to adverse treatment
October 2010
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
