Employment law refers to the body of legal principles and regulations governing the relationship between employers and employees in the workplace. It encompasses a wide range of legal issues that define the obligations of employers and the rights of employees, as well as their ability to pursue legal claims.

There are a number of legal claims that may be available to an employee, including:

• Breaches of Employment Contracts: Claims can be made for breaches of promises or provisions in legal agreements between employers and employees, including terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, and other provisions.

• Discrimination Claims: Laws prohibit discrimination in employment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation. These laws aim to ensure equal employment opportunities and prevent unfair treatment or bias in the workplace.

• Wage and Hour Act Violations: North Carolina has a law called the “Wage and Hour Act” which protects employees from unfair pay practices by employers and provides powerful legal claims that can include recovery of liquidated damages, attorneys’ fees and costs.

• Workplace Safety Issues: Laws and regulations establish safety standards and require employers to maintain a safe and healthy working environment for their employees.

• Wrongful Employment Termination: Claims are available for employees who have been wrongful terminated or fired from their jobs in certain situations under North Carolina law.

• Non-Compete Covenants: There are a number of legal elements and limits to any “non-compete” agreement or provision in an employment contract under North Carolina law. Unless all of the legal requirements are met, non-competes can be deemed by courts to be unenforceable and not able to restrict employees from taking another job.

These are just a few examples of the broad scope of employment law. It is important for employees to understand their rights and obligations under applicable employment laws to ensure they are treated fairly and are able to seek legal recourse when employers break the rules. Contact the Raleigh employment lawyer at John Taylor Law Firm today if you believe you have an employment law claim and would like to schedule a free consultation.