Ever wondered if your boss has crossed a line at work? You are not alone. Navigating power dynamics in the workplace can be tricky, especially when you are unsure whether something is just unfair or flat-out illegal. Understanding the 15 things your boss can’t legally do can empower you to protect your rights and take action when needed.
Whether you are an employee in a traditional office, work remotely, or are just entering the workforce, this guide breaks down what your boss absolutely cannot do under employment law in most developed countries, especially in the UK and US. Let us help you distinguish between professional inconvenience, and unlawful mistreatment.
Understanding Workplace Rights in 2025
While laws vary depending on where you work, most countries have modern labour protections that safeguard employees from exploitation, discrimination, and unsafe conditions. In the UK, your rights are governed by laws like the Employment Rights Act 1996, Equality Act 2010, and Working Time Regulations 1998. In the US, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and state laws offer similar protection.
According to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, ACAS (UK), most employee disputes stem from a lack of awareness about workplace rights, not necessarily bad intent by employers. That is why knowing them matters.
1. Discriminate Based on Age, Gender, Race, Religion, or Disability
This applies in every part of the employee lifecycle, from hiring to firing. Your boss cannot treat you unfairly because of protected characteristics, including:
- Age
- Sex or gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or belief
- Disability
- Pregnancy or parental status
Even indirect discrimination, like not promoting young team members because they are “inexperienced,” can breach equality laws.
2. Retaliate Against You for Reporting Wrongdoing
If you speak up about unethical practices, say, harassment, discrimination, or even unpaid wages your employer can’t legally fire, demote, or isolate you as punishment.
This is called retaliation, and it is specifically prohibited under whistleblower protection laws, such as the UK’s Public Interest Disclosure Act and the US Sarbanes–Oxley Act.
3. Tolerate or Enable Workplace Harassment
It is your boss’s job to create a safe, harassment-free workspace. That does not just mean protecting you from customers or clients, it includes disrespect from coworkers or even from management themselves.
This includes:
- Sexual harassment (unwanted advances, jokes)
- Verbal bullying or threats
- Repeated exclusion or microaggressions targeting specific employee traits
Employers have a legal duty to investigate complaints in good faith and take action if needed. Failure to do so can result in lawsuits or fines.
4. Ask Illegal Interview Questions
Even before you are hired, your legal rights apply.
Your boss, or potential boss, cannot ask you questions like:
- Are you pregnant or planning to be?
- What’s your religion?
- Do you have any disabilities?
- How old are you?
- Are you married?
These types of questions are not just off-putting, they can be considered illegal if they lead to biased hiring decisions.
Read Also: Why Interview Skills Are Important
5. Refuse to Pay You Overtime or Minimum Wage
You are legally entitled to be paid at least the national minimum wage and appropriate overtime where applicable.
Some employers try to misclassify employees as “independent contractors” to avoid paying benefits or overtime. That is often a red flag and could be grounds for a labour board claim or lawsuit.
Original Insight:
“If your boss’s rules make you second-guess your basic rights, they are probably not rules, they are violations dressed up as policy.” Julie Hart, Employment Coach & Legal Consultant
6. Deny Legally Protected Time Off
You are entitled to time off and your boss cannot simply say no when the law’s on your side.
Examples of protected time off include:
- Sick leave (especially in the UK, with Statutory Sick Pay)
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Parental leave and emergency time off for dependents
- Paid annual leave (at least 28 days in the UK including public holidays)
- Bereavement leave, where applicable by contract or law
In the US, FMLA gives eligible employees 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for medical or family emergencies. Denying this can cost an employer serious legal trouble.
7. Withhold Final Pay After Termination
No matter how or why you leave your job, resignation or dismissal, you are still legally entitled to:
- Your final paycheck
- Payment for unused paid holiday days (as per contract)
- Any bonuses or commissions earned before termination
Important Note: In both the UK and US, the law often requires payment on or shortly after the last working day, delayed wages may result in financial penalties for your employer.
8. Change Your Contract Without Consent
Your boss cannot just change your employment contract whenever they want. Hours, role, salary, or duties must be agreed mutually, unless a contract allows certain flexible adjustments.
Forcing a new arrangement without consultation or your signature counts as a breach of contract.
Warning Sign: If your employer says, “This is the new normal. Sign it or leave,” seek legal advice immediately.
9. Fire You Without Due Process (Even in At-Will States)
Yes, in some regions like the US, “at-will” employment allows companies to terminate staff without a reason, but not for illegal reasons.
Termination is still unlawful if it is:
- Due to discrimination (age, race, etc.)
- In retaliation for whistleblowing
- A result of protected activity (e.g., asking for accommodations)
In the UK, the Employment Rights Act offers strong protections, especially after 2 years of continuous work. You are entitled to:
- A formal disciplinary process
- A warning and chance to improve (in most cases)
- A right to appeal unfair dismissal
10. Monitor You Without Notification
Your boss cannot secretly spy on you, even if you work remotely.
Employers must follow data protection laws like the UK’s GDPR or US state privacy laws. That means:
- You must be notified about monitoring software or recordings
- Your consent must often be given or implied through usage policies
- Surveillance must be proportionate and transparent
Examples: Tracking keystrokes or webcam monitoring without disclosure could land your employer in hot water.
11. Ask You to Work in Unsafe Conditions
Employers have a legal duty of care to provide a safe working environment:
- Proper PPE and hygiene in physical jobs
- Mental health support and reasonable workload
- Fire safety training and risk assessments
In both the US (OSHA) and UK (HSE), employees have a “right to refuse unsafe work” if they believe there is a serious health or safety threat, even without being punished for it.
Tip: Always document safety concerns and report hazards formally.
12. Bully, Shame or Publicly Humiliate Employees
Your boss is not allowed to turn the workplace into a toxic battleground.
While not every rude comment is illegal, repeated humiliation, threats, or excessive pressure (especially in front of others) can reach the level of constructive dismissal or workplace harassment.
If you feel forced out by toxic behaviour, that can be grounds for a legal claim, even if you quit voluntarily.
13. Ban You from Discussing Pay with Coworkers
Many employees believe they are not “allowed” to talk about how much they make, but employers cannot stop pay-related conversations in most countries.
This protection:
- Exists to promote wage transparency and fairness
- Is common in union and non-union workplaces
- Can help uncover pay discrimination or bias in promotions
Talking about pay is not rude, it is your right.
14. Implement Rules That Break Employment Laws
You will be surprised how many illegal workplace policies get passed off as “just the way we do things.”
Examples:
- Being denied breaks (UK: 20 mins every 6 hours; US: varies, but often required)
- Being told to work off the clock (especially in hospitality or retail)
- Being penalized for using sick leave
If your boss has a “rule” that contradicts national labor law, the law wins, every time.
15. Deny Reasonable Accommodations for Disabilities
If you have a disability, your employer is legally required to explore reasonable accommodations, unless those changes create “undue hardship.” What counts as reasonable?
Examples:
- Remote work requests
- Adjusted schedules
- Ergonomic equipment
- Accessible restrooms or entrances
The Equality Act 2010 in the UK and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the US both protect this right.
Final Thoughts: Knowledge Is Power in the Workplace
Whether you are just starting your first job or years into your career, understanding the 15 things your boss can’t legally do helps you:
- Speak confidently
- Recognize red flags
- Take action if needed, without fear or guesswork
Most managers want to do the right thing. But when they do not, you deserve to know what is against the law and not just bad behavior.
FAQs – 15 Things Your Boss Can’t Legally Do
Not legally, if the reason is discriminatory or retaliatory, it’s unlawful.
You still have legal rights and protections under statutory employment law.
No, unsanctioned video or audio recording is usually illegal without your consent or an approved policy.
Yes, if you’re not exempt, overtime laws protect your right to extra compensation.
Document it, escalate to external bodies, or speak to a workplace harassment or employment attorney.