Employment & Labour Law · European Union
Stand Up for Your Employee Rights With the Right Lawyer By Your Side
Employers count on you not knowing what you’re owed — a dismissal with no valid reason, a contract that quietly shrinks your hours, a workplace where discrimination is brushed off as banter. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted employment lawyer who handles employee rights cases in your country every day, from an unfair dismissal through a contract dispute, unpaid wages or harassment.
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Who this is for
If you work for someone else, the law is on your side — you just need the right lawyer to prove it
Employment rights are the legal protections that govern your relationship with an employer — from the terms of your contract and the way you are paid to how you can be disciplined, made redundant or dismissed. Across Europe these rights are set by a mix of EU directives, national labour codes and the terms of your own agreement, which means what you are entitled to, and how to enforce it, varies significantly from one country to the next. Whether you are facing an unfair dismissal, a missing payslip, discrimination, a contract that no longer matches reality, or a change to your role you never agreed to, the specifics of your situation determine what you can claim. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted employment lawyer who handles employee rights cases in your country every day.
Why employees get stuck
Most employees lose out not because the law is against them.
They lose out because they wait too long to act.
Deadlines for employment claims are short, evidence disappears quickly, and employers rely on you staying silent.
Unfair or sudden dismissal
Being let go without a valid reason, proper notice or a fair process is one of the most common employee disputes — and the strict deadline to challenge it often starts running before you have even received anything in writing.
Contract terms quietly ignored
Your written contract says one thing, but your hours, pay or duties have drifted into something else. Employers often change terms informally and hope you never object — by the time you do, the new arrangement may look like it was agreed.
Discrimination & harassment brushed aside
Treatment based on age, sex, pregnancy, disability or race is unlawful across Europe, yet complaints are routinely dismissed as oversensitivity. A lawyer helps you document the pattern and proves it meets the legal test.
What you get
An employment lawyer who fights for what you are owed
We only match you with employment lawyers who handle employee-side disputes regularly in your country.
Full rights review
Your lawyer examines your contract, payslips and the facts of your case, then tells you plainly which rights apply and what a realistic claim looks like in your country — before you commit to anything.
Claim assessment
Get an honest evaluation of what your case is worth and how strong it is, including any compensation, back pay or reinstatement you may be entitled to under local rules.
Negotiation & settlement
Most employment disputes settle before a hearing. Your lawyer handles the negotiation with your employer and their legal team, so you don’t face the pressure or the tactics alone.
Tribunal representation
If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer prepares your case and represents you before the labour court or tribunal, managing evidence, witnesses and deadlines on your behalf.
Coverage
Employee rights lawyers across Europe
Employment rights are set nationally and vary from one country to the next, so the right lawyer is one who works with your country’s labour code and courts every day. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Employee rights — common questions
What are my basic employee rights in Europe?
Core rights set by EU law and national codes typically include a written statement of terms, minimum pay and paid holiday, limits on working time, rest breaks, and protection against unfair dismissal and discrimination. The exact entitlements and how to enforce them depend on the country where you work.
How long do I have to challenge an unfair dismissal?
Deadlines vary by country and are often very short — in some places just a few weeks from the dismissal date. Because evidence and witness accounts fade quickly, it is wise to speak to an employment lawyer as soon as possible after you are dismissed or suspended.
What is the difference between unfair dismissal and redundancy?
Redundancy is a lawful reason to end a role when the position genuinely disappears, and it usually carries specific notice and severance entitlements. Dismissal becomes unfair when the stated reason is false, the process was flawed, or a protected characteristic was the real motive.
Can I claim for unpaid wages or missing overtime?
Yes. In most countries employers must pay agreed wages and any statutory or contractual overtime in full and on time. A lawyer can help you calculate what is owed, raise a formal demand and, if needed, pursue it through the labour court before any limitation period expires.
What should I do if I am being discriminated against at work?
Start by keeping a written record of incidents — dates, what was said or done, and any witnesses — and save relevant emails or messages. Then contact a lawyer, who can advise whether the treatment meets the legal definition of discrimination and how best to raise it internally or formally.
Do I have to pay to get matched with a lawyer?
No. ELF matches you with a vetted employment lawyer free of charge, with no obligation to hire them. The lawyer then reviews your situation and explains your options and any fees before you commit to anything.
Free case review
Don’t let your employer write the ending
Tell us what happened and we’ll connect you with an employment lawyer who handles employee rights cases in your country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.