Our team in Chesterfield, Sheffield and Mansfield specialise in Protected Settlement Discussions.
Protected Settlement Discussions’ or ‘Protected Conversations’ effectively allow you and your employer to have an ‘off the record’ discussion regarding the termination of your employment. These conversations are entered into voluntarily and are classed as ‘protected’ because they are confidential and cannot therefore be used as part of any subsequent Employment Tribunal claim.
Protected Conversations are an extension to the ‘Without Prejudice’ rule, with the main difference being that a Without Prejudice discussion can only become protected where there is evidence of a dispute at the time of the conversation, whereas Protected Conversations can take place when there is no dispute or where there maybe a possible unfair dismissal claim, meaning that they often get used for terminations based on conduct or capability.
Under section 111A of the Employment Rights Act 1996 you can get your employer’s protection over-ruled where you can prove that any improper behaviour or conduct took place during the conversations, such as harassment, bullying or discrimination. If you are concerned about how your Protected Conversation has been handled we can help.
One of the main benefits to Protected Conversations is that they allow you to negotiate a termination package without having to go to Court and the terms will be finalised in a Settlement Agreement.
If you have any queries regarding a Settlement Agreement or Protected Conversations, please contact our Employment Law team for a no obligation initial chat on * or info@bannerjones.co.uk.
*calls cost no more than a local 01 number and are included in your mobile minutes.
Can I be forced to attend work if a member of my household is a vulnerable person?
If you are living with a person who is pregnant, elderly, or suffering with a disability that means they are in a high risk group, your employer should consider adjustments, such as enabling you to work from home. If your employer still forces you to go to work, you may have a claim for constructive/unfair dismissal, particularly if your work environment does not have social distancing measures in place.
Can my employer dismiss me if I do not want to return to the office?
This will depend on your personal circumstances and the nature of your job role. For example, you may have a claim for unfair dismissal and discrimination if you are dismissed whilst ‘shielding’ following government advice, and you are able to carry out your work from home.
Can my employer reduce my salary?
Unless your employer has specified in your employment contract that it can reduce your salary, then no. If your employer proposes to reduce your pay, they must obtain your agreement. If your employer has reduced your wages without your consent, you may have a claim for unlawful deduction of wages and / or constructive dismissal if you chose to resign .
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.
How much will I be paid on furlough leave?
This will depend on what you agree with your employer. Under the CJRS, HMRC will pay 80% of your wages (subject to a cap of £2,500). Provided your employer does not have a contractual right to reduce pay in your employment contract, if your employer intends to only pay you 80% of your wages, they would need your agreement to do so.
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.
Will I also receive my usual commission during furlough leave?
If your commission is contractual, then yes (subject to above). If not, your employer will not have to pay you commission you would usually earn.