‘Vulnerable’ young workers in Scotland unaware of their rights

Nationally, the study found that almost three in ten (28 per cent) people between the ages of 18 and 30 said they were completely unaware of their rights within their current workplace and over a third (34 per cent) wouldn’t know where to turn if they felt they’d been unfairly dismissed.

Furthermore, over three quarters (76 per cent) falsely believed that their employer has an obligation to educate them on their workplace rights. Meanwhile, almost half (45 per cent) think this responsibility falls on the government.

The rise of ‘gig economy’ jobs and zero-hours contracts serves to highlight the changing face of British working life and the growing need for better workplace representation and assistance.

The research also found that just over two-fifths (41 per cent) believe young people are far more vulnerable and should be protected by unions.

Nearly seven in ten (69 per cent) believed that trade union members know more about their rights at work than those who don’t.

In fact, nearly two fifths (39 per cent) of those that do belong to a union said they felt more protected at work.

Joining us in the studio to discuss the limited knowledge young people have about their rights at work and what they can do about it is Jon Craven, CEO of UIA Mutual and Kendal Bromley, Chair of National Young Member’s Forum, UNISON.