Labour Act (Cap L1 LFN 2004)

Sets basic contract rules: workers must be 16 or older (except apprentices), wages must be paid at least monthly, and employers cannot limit liability for workplace injuries or deaths.

Your employment cannot be transferred to another employer without your written consent. A labour officer must witness the transfer and ensure you understand the new terms and are not being pressured.

Either party can end employment with proper notice. Notice periods increase with length of service: 1 day (under 3 months), 1 week (3 months to 2 years), 2 weeks (2-5 years), 1 month (over 5 years). Payment in lieu of notice is allowed.

An employer cannot avoid liability for a workplace injury by claiming it was caused by a fellow employee. The employer remains responsible for injuries caused by any of their workers.

Working hours are set by agreement, collective bargaining, or wages board. Working beyond normal hours is overtime. Workers on 6+ hour shifts must get at least 1 hour total break time. Every worker is entitled to at least 24 consecutive hours of rest per week.

Workers are entitled to 12 days of paid sick leave per year if certified by a doctor. The employer can require examination by their own doctor at their expense. The worker must still be employed and ready to work but for the illness.

Employers must provide suitable work to workers who show up ready to work. If no work is available, the employer must still pay wages. In emergencies, employers only need to pay for the first week without work.

After 12 months of work, adults are entitled to at least 6 days paid annual leave (12 days for those under 16). Leave cannot be substituted with cash payment while still employed. Pro-rata compensation applies if employment ends after 6 months.

Leave pay and sick pay are calculated based on basic wages only. Overtime pay and other allowances are not included in these calculations.

If redundancy occurs, employers must inform the trade union, generally apply "last in, first out" while considering skill and merit, and try to negotiate redundancy payments. Redundancy means permanent job loss due to excess workforce.

Pregnant women can take 6 weeks leave before expected delivery with medical certificate. Women cannot work for 6 weeks after childbirth. If employed 6+ months, they receive at least 50% wages during maternity leave. Nursing mothers get two 30-minute breaks daily. Employers cannot dismiss women during maternity leave.

Women generally cannot be required to work at night in industrial or agricultural jobs. Night means 11 consecutive hours including 10pm to 5am. This does not apply to nursing and welfare workers.

Children can only work for family members on light farm or household tasks. No young person under 15 can work in industrial jobs. Young workers cannot be made to lift heavy items or do dangerous work that could harm their development.

Children under 14 cannot work during school hours or at night (8pm to 6am). Education takes priority over employment for school-age children.