The Employment Law & HR Podcast
Unfair Dismissal Part 3: The Reasonableness Test: Episode 36

The third instalment of a 6 part mini series focusing on Unfair Dismissal

Episode 3: How to ensure the decision to dismiss is reasonable

In this weeks' episode of the podcast I tell you all about the second test for a fair dismissal, the reasonableness test. This is the third of 6 episodes that will focus on all of the key aspects of unfair dismissal, including everything you need to know to really get to grips with dismissals and what constitutes a fair dismissal.

In this episode I will cover:

  • What the test for reasonableness is in accordance with the Employment Rights Act 1996
  • The two elements of a reasonable dismissal, Procedure and Substantive Fairness
  • What the fundamentals are for a reasonable dismissal decision
  • The different reasonableness and procedural requirements for each of the potentially fair reasons
  • What the range of reasonable responses test is
  • What you need to do to fairly investigate a conduct allegation
  • What you can do if you have more than one 'suspect' in an allegation of misconduct
  • How to deal with performance issues in order to fairly dismiss an employee for poor performance
  • What you need to consider before dismissing an employee

Action Points

Ensure anyone assigned to deal with a disciplinary investigation and the disciplinary hearing in your organisation listens to this episode.

Helpful Links

Employment Rights Act 1996 

BHS v Burchell 

 


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Direct download: Episode_36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Unfair Dismissal Part 2: Potentially Fair Reasons : Episode 35

The second instalment of a 6 part mini series focusing on Unfair Dismissal

 

In this weeks' episode of the podcast I bring you the five potentially fair reasons for dismissing an employee. This is the second of 6 episodes that will focus on all of the key aspects of unfair dismissal, including everything you need to know to really get to grips with dismissals and what constitutes a fair dismissal.

In this episode I will cover:

  • What the five potentially fair reasons are
  • An example of each of the reasons
  • How they are applied
  • Why the facts of each are important
  • Why swearing at work can be grounds for a fair dismissal
  • Who has the burden of proving the reason for the dismissal
  • Why the burden shifts in a claim for Automatic Unfair Dismissal
  • What you need to consider before dismissing an employee

Action Points

Check what your staff handbook says about gross misconduct and ensure it includes what you consider to amount to gross misconduct in your organisation.

Helpful Links

Employment Rights Act 1996 

Direct download: Episode_35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:53am EDT

Unfair Dismissal Part 1: An Introduction to Fair Dismissals: Episode 34

Episode 1: What is Unfair Dismissal?

This weeks' episode of the podcast is an introduction to the law regarding unfair dismissal. This is the first of 6 episodes that will focus on all of the key aspects of unfair dismissal, including everything you need to know to really get to grips with dismissals and what constitutes a fair dismissal.

In this episode I will cover:

  • The history of unfair dismissal
  • How unfair dismissal started in the early 1970's
  • What it is and where you will find the law
  • The fundamental difference between Unfair Dismissal and Constructive Unfair Dismissal
  • The qualifying period for unfair dismissal
  • Unfair dismissal claims with no qualifying period of service
  • Claims for Auotmatic Unfair Dismissal
  • The time limit for claims
  • Circumstances when an employer must provide written reasons for an employees dismissal

Action Points

Whenever you are considering dismissing an employee regardless of their length of service you should ensure that as a minimum you communicate the reason for termination to the employee. Employees have rights for automatic unfair dismissal in certain circumstances regardless of their service length and communicating the reason to them is likely to minimise the risk of drawing the wrong inference as to why.

Helpful Links

Introduction to Constructive Unfair Dismissal: Episode 18 

Focus on Constructive Unfair Dismissal: Episode 21

Employment Rights Act 1996 

Direct download: Episode_34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:38am EDT

Victimisation, Association and Discrimination: Episode 33

This weeks' episode of the podcast features the case of Mr Thompson, a bus driver, against his employer the London Central Bus Company. Mr Thompson was subject to disciplinary action which he alleged was as a result of his association with other employees who had performed a 'protected act' under the Equality Act.

In this episode I will cover:

  • What the case was about
  • Why the outcome has potentially widened protection from victimisation
  • What forms of discrimination are covered by discrimination by 'association'
  • Why the case went to the Employment Appeal Tribunal
  • What the decision of the Appeal Tribunal was
  • What it means for Employers
  • What you need to do now

HR Best Practice Tip

The HR tip of the week is about communication. It's not always about the volume of communication, but the method and thinking twice before sending that email!

Helpful Links

Thompson v London Central Bus Company Ltd - Employment Appeal Tribunal

 

Direct download: Episode_33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am EDT

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