Cyprus-Forum.com

[CopperLine]

Robin
It was, as you said, Edmund Burke. Given Burke's views though he'd be an unlikely source of help to your problem.

I wouldn't like to say anything about employment law in Cyprus, but I did work in employment law in the UK so have professional experience of this. I clearly can't give legal advice through a discussion board but there are some basic principles of which to be aware. First, as an EU member Cyprus MUST comply with EU law, directives for example, on employment. The floor or minimum standards are given by EU law and, unless explicit exemptions or derogations have been negotiated, it is likely to be applicable.

It depends what the problem is in employment, that is at what stage in the employment process the complaints arises. Advertising jobs in sex and/or racially discriminatory way is basically illegal : anyone can object to this.

The big problems arise when shortlisting, interviewing etc are under way, or once the person is employed. Actionable breaches of employment law can effectively only be brought by the affected party. Even employees who have suffered prima facie cases of discrimination, even violence, breach of contract and so on, are often reluctant to take legal action.

I regret to say that legal action by employees against employers is fraught with difficulties and is expensive and can be incredibly time consuming and energy-sapping. I also regret making such a negative posting because I believe the protection of workers' rights and the fight against employment discrimination to be crucial. Trade union membership is, in my view, a necessary yet insufficient first step.

(If Oracle is telling the truth and was indeed asked in an interview about pregnancy she had a prima facie case of sex discrimination. For the UK see 1975 Sex Discrimination Act , and 1970 Equal Pay Act.

The following may be helpful links :

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1461

ACAS gives a good idea of what you should expect in terms of employment law. Although a UK organisation it gives some idea of European wide employment standards.

http://www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/intlhr/euspolicy.htm

This CIPD page gives a brief but reasonable overview of the relationship between EU employment law and national law.

If you follow some of the links on this EU page http://europa.eu/pol/socio/index_en.htm you'll get a good idea of EU employment law as it affects, amongst others, Cyprus.

[Robin 1]

What a superb peice of advice,thank you.I do not feel that your post is unduly negative,and feel that it gives me much food for thought.
My intention would not be to instigate legal action at this stage,however I do feel that I would be correct to highlight this breach of EU law to the relevant Cypriot authorities.

It is more a case of demonstrating to these people that they do not have the right to treat people in this fashion and that they are not above the law, nor do they have the right to flaunt EU legislation.

If I can succeed in having this matter addressed by the Ministry of Labour or another relevant authority then I would be more than happy.

Once again,my thanks for your time,information and encouragement.