Enforcing your rights may be as easy as asking, or as difficult as taking a legal case as far as the Court of Justice of the European Union!
And even when the law is on your side, a vindictive boss can still do a great deal to make your life miserable, particularly if you are acting on your own. On the other hand an employer may simply not understand the law, and welcome expert guidance on their responsibilities.
So the first step is always to ask why your employer is not granting you your rights, and the first rule is not to take action without being fully aware of all the possible consequences. However, action must be taken promptly, and normally within no more than 3 years of the act or omission you want to complain about. You should take expert advice. Union members can contact their union. Non-union members can contact advice agencies listed on the free help page or a solicitor (though this will probably cost after an initial consultation).
