Kim McDonald answers your employment law questions

What should I do if I feel I am being treated unfairly at work?

If you feel you are being treated unfairly at work you should request a copy of the employer’s grievance procedure and submit a full written grievance detailing all concerns. The employer should then meet with you to consider this and provide you with a response following the meeting. If you are unhappy with the response you receive you will have the opportunity to appeal the decision and a further appeal meeting will be held and a further decision made. If you are still unhappy with the outcome you would need to consider your options and possibly take legal advice.

My boss has said I am not entitled to holiday pay as I am self-employed, I believed I was an employee and entitled to this, what is the difference?

Your status depends entirely on the details of the working relationship and facts of your individual case. Determining factors include but are not limited to whether you are paid holiday pay, sick pay and the amount of control the employer exerts over you in relation to how and when you complete the work. If your status is questionable you should take independent legal advice from a solicitor.

I keep hearing the phrase “gig economy” what does this mean?

This refers to a way of working based on temporary jobs/working and completing individual separate jobs paid on an individual basis resulting in short-term engagements only.