Vulnerable workers less aware of rights

A recent survey of around 1,000 people of working age found many unaware of key employment rights with the most vulnerable likely to be least aware.

The survey, carried out for the Department of Trade and Industry by the Institute for Employment Studies, found that individuals' perceptions of employment rights did not reflect reality.

When asked whether they could name at least one employment right, about half was able to do so unprompted. They were most likely to be aware of working time, health and safety and anti-discrimination rights. There was very little awareness of other statutory employment rights.

Permanent workers were more aware of their rights than temporary workers while ethnic minority workers were significantly less likely to be aware of work/life balance rights.

In the light of the government's proposals to tighten up on access to tribunals (see page 21) the survey's findings are a cause of concern. Workers who are not aware of their rights are already badly placed to benefit from employment protection.

Awareness, knowledge and exercise of individual employment rights, for copies tel: 020 7215 6024 or visit www.dti.gov.uk