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.
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 your employer adopts a fair procedure and are able to help you prepare for any meetings by analysing evidence and witness statements. We can also help you with any subsequent appeal. We have successfully helped clients remain in employment or secure re-employment, and have also helped clients secure financial settlements to leave their employment under settlement agreements .
We can advise on representation at any disciplinary or grievance meeting, and can arrange to have a qualified trade union official at the meeting to represent you and make sure you are supported – even if you aren’t a member of a trade union.
To contact one of our employment law solicitors regarding a disciplinary or grievance issue, or any employment law issue, please call * or email info@bannerjones.co.uk.
*calls cost no more than a local 01 number and are included in your mobile minutes.
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.
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.