December marks Human Rights Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the fundamental freedoms and protections every individual should enjoy. Within the UK’s apprenticeships and early careers landscape, this is an opportunity to highlight the critical role of human rights in ensuring fair and equitable treatment for young people entering the workforce.
Apprentices and early career professionals have the right to a safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment. The UK law enshrines this through legislation such as the Equality Act 2010, which protects against discrimination based on characteristics like age, race, gender, and disability, and the Employment Rights Act 1996, which safeguards their terms and conditions of work.
However, beyond compliance, businesses have a responsibility to foster a culture where these rights are respected and championed. This involves:
- Providing equitable pay: Ensuring apprentices receive at least the minimum wage and are not exploited through unpaid or underpaid labour.
- Preventing discrimination: Embedding inclusive hiring practices and training staff to recognise and challenge unconscious bias.
- Ensuring mental health support: Recognising the importance of psychological safety, offering resources to address challenges like stress, anxiety, or bullying in the workplace.
- Empowering with education: Teaching apprentices about their rights and the mechanisms to voice concerns, whether through unions, HR, or legal channels.
As we celebrate Human Rights Awareness Month, let’s commit to treating young people as not just employees but as future leaders. Investing in their rights and well-being today lays the foundation for a fairer, more inclusive workplace tomorrow.
By prioritising human rights, businesses don’t just comply with laws they nurture trust, loyalty, and innovation within their teams, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
This December, let’s recognise that supporting apprentices and early career starters is not just an obligation; it’s an opportunity to uphold the values of dignity, fairness, and respect.
