As the private sector continues to battle Britain's economic woes and jobs are shed on a weekly basis, a growing number of employees - often those whose jobs are on the line - are looking to set up on their own. For businesses that employ staff with an   More...
24 August 2012 15:07

When inviting an employee to a disciplinary or grievance hearing, the employer should inform the worker of his or her statutory right to be accompanied during the following hearing. Employers should ensure that they understand the rules on allowing a co  More...
23 August 2012 14:26

Having a good grievance procedure is important as it allows employers the opportunity to resolve workplace issues early, saving them from the breakdown of employment relationships and, ultimately, tribunal claims. We look at the key steps to carrying  More...
20 August 2012 13:23

If, following an investigation , an employer decides that there is a disciplinary case for an employee to answer, then a disciplinary hearing should be arranged. It is important that the employee is given the chance to put his or her case forw  More...
10 August 2012 11:36

A reasonable investigation is a vital part of a fair disciplinary procedure. Taking time to establish the facts behind disciplinary allegations can help to ensure that employees feel they are being dealt with fairly and could ultimately save employers f  More...
02 August 2012 15:22

Lim v Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust FACTS Dr Lim was a consultant anaesthetist at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust. Bullying complaints were made against him in January 2007 and a formal investigation was carried out. Dr Li  More...
22 November 2011 14:50

In unfair dismissal claims, employment tribunals take the "Acas code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures" into account where relevant and may increase an award of compensation by up to 25% for an employer's unreasonable failure to   More...
17 November 2011 13:50

I have been told separately by two of my employees that the police have arrested and charged one of our staff with theft and public order offences arising from last week's riots. I do not want such people in my workforce. Can I take action against him?   More...
17 August 2011 10:29

The Supreme Court has ruled that it was not a breach of an employee's human rights to refuse him the right to be accompanied by a lawyer at a disciplinary hearing. The case concerned a teaching assistant who was alleged to have acted inappropriately  More...
29 June 2011 16:18

Watson v University of Strathclyde FACTS The claimant was employed as a publications officer by the University of Strathclyde. Mr Taylor was the director of marketing and communications and Dr West was the secretary to the University. Dr W  More...
26 April 2011 10:01

An appeal case is taking place this week that could have far-reaching implications for the way in which future disciplinary hearings take place. The case, R (on the application of G) v The Governors of X School , will be heard by the Supreme Court o  More...
11 April 2011 15:56

This year brings a number of cases which could have a significant bearing on the employment law landscape. Here is a brief roundup of cases to watch out for in 2011. When are employees entitled to legal representation in disciplinary proceedings?   More...
14 March 2011 10:02

Morgan v Network Europe Group Ltd FACTS Mr Morgan commenced employment as a storekeeper with Network Europe Group Ltd on 1 November 2005. He signed a statement of terms and conditions and confirmed receipt of the company handbook. Neither made an  More...
07 March 2011 00:01

No employer wants to go through a discipline and grievance process - they are time-consuming, potentially costly and can damage employee relations and reputation as well as the bank balance. However, many employers find themselves having to deal with th  More...
02 March 2011 16:49

McMaster v Antrim Borough Council FACTS Mr McMaster was employed as a driver for Antrim Borough Council's recycling service. It was made clear to him during training that the removal of waste for payment constituted gross misconduct. He was not  More...
22 February 2011 15:26

The Court of Appeal held last year that a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon could pursue his claim for substantial future loss of income resulting from a breach of his employment contract, related to his employer's failure to follow its contract  More...
08 February 2011 11:02

With Christmas only three weeks away, Personnel Today and XpertHR present a seasonal feast of employment related questions, case studies and advice on everything from managing the office Christmas party to employing seasonal temps...   More...
02 December 2010 16:56

Most of the Equality Act 2010  came into force on 1 October 2010 and employers need to make sure they comply with the  changes to legislation. Warning: This page is no longer updated. It has been   More...
22 September 2010 15:19

One of my employees has asked to be accompanied by her lawyer at a disciplinary hearing. It's a serious matter and I may need to report her to a regulatory body if the allegations against her are proven. Do I need to agree to her request? In these c  More...
09 September 2010 10:52

One of my employees was allegedly seen committing a criminal act outside work by a colleague, and the police are involved. Can I take disciplinary action and, if so, must I wait until the police investigation is finished? The fact that an employee h  More...
13 August 2010 09:09