Three Month Notice Period: UK Employer Guide
When an employee is dismissed or made redundant, or where they resign, there will usually be a requirement for notice to be given, either on the part of the employer or employee. In some cases, the notice period might be as long as three months. If this is an obligation which neither party necessarily wishes […]
Dismissal for Sickness Absence: UK Employer Guide
When an employee remains on long-term sick leave, or has a recurring pattern of time off work due to illness, you may have grounds for lawful dismissal for sickness absence, provided specific criteria are met. Employers, however, should proceed with caution and take advice to avoid risking tribunal claims. By law, dismissal for sickness absence should […]
Summary Dismissal: Fair Procedure Guide
Dismissing an employee without notice, or payment in lieu of notice, requires employers to proceed with caution, not least to minimise the risk of a claim for unfair or wrongful dismissal. The following guide examines the law relating to summary dismissal, with practical advice on the procedures you will need to follow for the dismissal […]
Disability Leave: Guide for Employers
It is not uncommon for employers to treat disability leave in the same way as sick leave, even if an employee is not unwell but rather absent from work for a disability-related reason. This could include for treatment, rehabilitation or assessment. However, by treating disability and sick leave in the same way, this can expose […]
How to Register as a British Citizen
If you hold British nationality, you may be eligible to register for British citizenship. Most commonly, you would be eligible for registration as a British citizen if you were born either in the UK or outside the UK to a British parent and are not automatically classed as a British citizen because of this, or […]
Absence Management: Strategies for Employers
Time lost due to employee absence costs employers, both in relation to the unworked hours and in the time needed to manage the absence, arrange cover and provide support where required on the return to work. But absences from work are an inevitable part of running an organisation, where staff may be off work for […]
Working Under Protest: Guide for UK Employers
When an employee is working under protest, it is imperative as an employer that you seek to resolve the issues that form the basis of their complaint as soon as possible, otherwise you potentially risk exposure to claims for breach of contract or constructive dismissal. Working under protest is when an employee continues to perform […]
Capability Dismissal: Employer Guidance
A capability dismissal refers to an employer terminating an employment contract on the basis of the employee’s underperformance or ill-health. Employers are permitted to lawfully dismiss employees due to poor performance, but in doing so they must follow a fair process. This means, among other requirements, that the employer has to have a reasonable belief […]
Understanding COT3 Agreements: Complete Guide
A COT3 agreement is a legally binding settlement used to resolve workplace disputes. It is commonly used as an alternative to tribunal proceedings, allowing both parties to settle claims quickly and avoid litigation. Proper use of COT3 agreements can resolve disputes efficiently and maintain workplace relationships. The agreement is typically negotiated through Acas Early Conciliation, […]
ACAS Code of Practice: Overview for Employers
The ACAS Code of Practice provides guidelines for employers and employees on managing workplace disputes, specifically around disciplinary and grievance procedures. Issued by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), it sets out the minimum standard of fairness that employers should follow. While not legally binding, failure to adhere to the Code can have serious […]