Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
Discipline
Disciplinary action does not just involve dismissing an employee – it can involve managing instances of minor misconduct or problems arising out of under-performance – and different circumstances may require different measures and responses.
However, the risk of failing to deal with disciplinary matters fairly can be time consuming and costly. In the worst cases, employees may bring claims to the Employment Tribunal, which if successful can result in considerable compensation awards.
We can help you to establish what the problem is and offer advice and guidance on how best to deal with it fairly and in accordance with best practice; whether that involves imposing a disciplinary sanction, providing the support and training necessary to bring about improvement in performance or, ultimately, bringing employment to an end fairly.
Grievances
Occasionally, employees may feel unhappy with certain aspects of their employment. Many employers become defensive when an employee raises a grievance, which is often a mistake. Failing to deal with grievances properly can result in a variety of different problems, including a complete breakdown in working relationships and expensive litigation.
Dealing with grievances fairly and in a timely fashion can prevent claims from being issued and help maintain morale amongst staff members – employees who believe they can rely on their employer to listen to and address their concerns are less likely to want to leave. It will almost certainly also cut down the expense of having to defend complaints.
Our specialists can help guide you through the process of handling grievances and help you develop sensible and effective procedures for dealing with them in the future.
Email us or go back to our contact details.