Latest news with #employee rights
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman's labour law: Strengthening worker protections and ensuring workplace justice
In an era where employee rights are often under strain, Oman has emerged as a regional leader by enacting a robust and progressive labour law framework introduced under Royal Decree 53/2023. Designed to ensure dignity, fairness, and accountability in the workplace, the law reflects a national commitment to protecting the interests of both employees and employers. Speaking exclusively to the Times of Oman, a representative of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm, a leading law office in Oman, explained that 'workplaces where employees are protected from unfair treatment, discrimination and unsafe conditions are not merely an ideal but a legal mandate.' Oman's Labour law embodies this vision, establishing clear safeguards to ensure that workers' rights are prioritized. Far from being punitive, the law reflects Oman's Labour Law commitment to nurturing equitable and respectful workplaces. It provides clear legal protection against discrimination and unjust dismissal including termination on the grounds of gender, religion, pregnancy or union activity. The law also underscores the importance of work-life balance. It limits standard working hours to eight per day and reduces them to six hours during Ramadan for Muslim employees, in recognition of their religious observance. Additionally, it guarantees rest breaks and mandates fair compensation for overtime work. Furthermore, the law empowers employees to file complaints without fear of retaliation and prohibits employers from withholding workers' documents,' said Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Founding Partner of Mohammed Ibrahim Law Firm. He added, 'The law further reinforces employee protections by mandating effective grievance mechanisms, prohibiting forced or compulsory labour, and regulating disciplinary procedures to prevent arbitrary dismissal. These legal provisions embody a balanced approach that safeguards both employer accountability and workers' rights.' 'By balancing employer responsibilities with employee rights, Oman's Labour Law doesn't just regulate it elevates workplace standards. In a world where fairness often falters, Oman's approach sets a benchmark worth celebrating,' the expert said.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Urgent warning for workers to check pay for holiday mistakes – you could be owed back £100s
WORKERS have been warned to check their pay for holiday mistakes, as they could be owed hundreds of pounds. Experts at have urged people to check if they're owed unpaid holiday earnings from previous employers. An easy way to check if you're entitled to holiday pay is to check if you get payslips - which can be paper or electronic. These will list your earnings, working hours and any deductions such as income tax or National Insurance. "If you get payslips, you're likely entitled to holiday pay as an 'employee' or 'worker'," according to the MSE website. "This is the case whether you work full-time, part-time or on a zero-hours contract. And it doesn't matter if your job is temporary or for only part of the year." However, if you're self-employed or work a "cash in hand" job, then you likely won't get any payslips and may not be entitled to any holiday pay. If you are eligible, you should then check how much holiday pay you're entitled to. You're legally allowed 5.6 working weeks of paid holiday a year, but the number of days depends on how many days or hours you work. If you work full time, five days a week, you'll be entitled to 28 days of paid holidays a year. This may also include bank holidays, but it depends on your employer. If you work part time, you should multiply the number of days you work in a week by 5.6 to check what you're owed. If you leave your job without taking your holiday, your employer must pay you for it - even if you get sacked. MSE says that once you've worked out how much holiday pay you're entitled to, you'll need to talk to your boss about taking that time off or getting paid for unused holiday if you've left the job. "Speaking to your employer casually should hopefully be enough, but if you're not getting anywhere, the next step would be to raise a formal complaint," MSE says. "As a last resort, you may be able to make a claim to an employment tribunal – but there are strict time limits for doing this. However, taking this route is a big decision to make, so get all of the facts together first and strongly consider contacting Acas or Citizens Advice for free guidance and support before going ahead." Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@
