THE PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEES’ RIGHTS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE UK & SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

The main goal of the current research was to compare the UK and Saudi Arabia labour laws to determine similarity and differences as well as identify areas which need improvement in order to protect employee’ rights. To achieve the objective, a secondary qualitative design was employed in which secondary sources including reports, journals, legal court cases, and legislation were analysed. A key difference in labour laws was noted in the hiring process where Saudi Arabia applies the policy of Saudisation in which Saudi nationals are given priority in any job opportunities in the country over foreigners. In contrast, UK employment contracts do not need to be verbal and are equally available to foreigners who have visas as well as UK citizens. One area of improvement identified for UK Employment Act (1996) involved adding more provisions for temporary workers since it mainly focussed on the welfare on permanent employees. Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, a major improvement involves introduction of trade unions, which are currently prohibited, to protect employees’ rights.