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Discipline and Grievance

Unfortunately, at some point disciplinary matters and grievances are likely to arise in the workplace.

Disciplinary matters arise where, amongst other things, an employer takes action in relation to allegations of misconduct or poor performance. Grievances, on the other hand, arise where an employee has a complaint, concern or problem about any aspect their work.

It is essential for employers and employees that there is a clear and fair framework in place to deal with discipline and grievance issues when they arise.

The ACAS Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance sets out best practice for how discipline and grievance issues should be dealt with in the workplace; and employment tribunals can adjust awards of compensation (up or down) in successful claims by up to 25 per cent to take account of any failure by an employer or an employee to follow the advice of ACAS in the Code.

We can help with any stage of the disciplinary and grievance process. We are able to help guide you through the process to ensure that the process is fair and legally compliant.

We offer a full HR service and can provide you with a fully qualified HR specialist to undertake investigations, attend hearings with you to provide support or if necessary, to act as the decision maker in any hearing, including appeal hearings.

In addition, when grievance issues arise, we can offer third party impartial mediation services to you and your employee to try to resolve problems in the workplace and reduce the risk of the employee bringing a claim. Mediation is also recommended in the ACAS Code of Practice, so taking part in mediation can help you to show that you have complied with the Code if you need to in any subsequent claim.

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Discipline and Grievance in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield and Mansfield

Workplace Mediation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we have to do anything else in our recruitment adverts?

You need to be able to justify if you are asking for certain levels of experience. Advertising for a bus driver who is safe and has had previous experience is one thing advertising for a bus driver with 10 years’ experience is another. The first option leaves your job advert open for all ages to apply. The second rules out individuals who may be in their early twenties.

 Other points to consider when recruiting new employees:

  • Ensure whoever is interviewing potential employee’s scores interviewees on their skills and competencies as opposed to their age.
  • Although they are not discriminatory themselves consider removing any reference to age on your job application forms.
  • Don’t ask a potential employee for a physical fitness test unless you require them. 

Once you have selected an appropriate employee ensure managers and staff are trained to monitor and avoid any discriminatory behaviour. Also make sure it is clear within any policies you have that discrimination in any form is unacceptable. Ensure managers are fully trained in diversity issues and that they are able to deal with discriminatory issues that arise within the workplace.

Do we need to worry about these requirements if we employ people in their 50’s and 60’s?

Yes you need to be aware of these requirements if you employ anyone of any age. They affect every area of employment as well as the recruitment and selection process. The requirements not only make it unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of age but also harassment whether it be intentional or unintentional or to victimise an individual. 

You need to worry not only about your own actions but also your fellow employees who must be discouraged from making offensive or unkind comments about age or anything in between.

 As with other areas of discrimination if your employee can demonstrate that there has been a difference in treatment which is due to discrimination it is solely down to you the employer to show otherwise or for you to prove that you have done everything in your power to stop such discrimination. There are no limits to discrimination awards and often they include an aspect for suffering, failure to do so can be expensive. 

 

How does age discrimination requirements effect the recruitment process?

When you are recruiting employees you need to ensure you are not discriminating for or against anyone due to their age. This means you cannot advertise specific age requirements in any of your job adverts unless you can justify them.

Our employees are all in their early twenties if we employ someone in their sixties they would be out of place. Do we have to hire someone of this age?

If you interview someone in their sixties and they turn out to be as good or even better than your current employees in their twenties you should not let their age be a determining factor as to whether you hire them or not. Since October 2006 it has been unlawful to reject anyone for an interview based on their age. There is not a lot employers can do to control the age of their workforce therefore you would potentially have to recruit someone in their sixties even if you have a younger workforce.  

What are the conditions of age discrimination?

In 2011 legislation new legislation was introduced making it unlawful to treat anyone differently due to their age except if it could be justified or falls within one of the exemptions to the law. The retirement age of 65 has now been phased out meaning employers can now only forcibly retire workers if it can be justified.  

 

What year did the requirements of age discrimination come into effect?

The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations came into effect in October 2006. The retirement age of 65 was phased out between April 2011 and October 2011.

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