What are the penalties for violating employment laws in the UK?

Violations of the Employment Rights Act 1996 and other related legislation can result in significant penalties. Employers might face fines for underpayments, failure to provide breaks, and violating terms of Employment Contracts or Collective Agreements. Serious contraventions, such as deliberate exploitation, can attract higher penalties. Individual company directors and officers may also be held liable in some cases. Breaches of workplace health and safety, governed by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, can lead to additional fines or even imprisonment. Engaging with our employment law experts can ensure understanding of potential penalties and ways to avoid them.