Workplace mediation is a critical tool for resolving disputes in the future of work

In this episode 212 of the podcast I bring you an interview and discussion with my colleague Jo Carley, who is an experienced workplace mediator and strong advocate for alternative dispute resolution in workplace disputes.

In this episode of the podcast we cover:

• What is workplace mediation.
• When workplace mediation is appropriate.
• When employers should be considering workplace mediation.
• Why it should be the starting point for any grievance formal or informal.
• Why there is always a loser in the grievance process.
• How workplace mediation works in practice.
• The steps employers should be considering to implement workplace mediation.

  Workplace Mediation: How we can help you

Jo Carley and I are both fully trained and experienced workplace mediators having completed the ACAS Certificate in Workplace Mediation.

If you would like us to undertake a mediation within your workplace then we would be happy to do so and can start by a no-obligation initial telephone call.

Our charges for a workplace mediation are as follows:

£350 + VAT for a half-day, plus travel costs. There is an additional charge of £100 +VAT per hour for any additional time required .

A half a day is the minimum amount of time needed (including two individual meetings and a joint meeting), but it could run over half a day depending on the extent of the issues there is to work through.

 

 

Training for your Team

Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.

Please drop me an email [email protected]

  Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

In this episode 211 of the podcast I bring you a run down from a case decided by the Employment Appeal Tribunal where the issue of making a change to employee contract terms was considered in the context of the employee’s eligibility for an enhanced redundancy payment. The case we are covering is Jackson v The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust [2023].

In this episode of the podcast we cover:

• The options available to employees if they disagree with a change to contract terms.
• The potential risks for employers of implementing changes without agreement.
• What employers should consider when making changes to contract terms.
• How a redundancy situation can arise when making changes to employee contract terms.
• Why redundancy applied in this case.
• The issue that often arises in NHS Trusts with enforced changes to roles and changes to Band ratings.
• Why employers need to consult with employees on changes to terms.
• The leading case of Hogg v Dover College

  Training for your Team

Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.

Please drop me an email [email protected]

    Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

What should employers consider when employing care leavers or care experienced people

In this episode 210 of the podcast I am joined by Ali Steele from Wight Oak Youth Services to discuss the importance for employers to think purposefully about employing care leavers and to consider the individual requirements of those who are care experienced.

In this episode of the podcast we cover:

• Why it is important to consider care experienced employees.
• What steps you can take to show support for care experienced employees.
• The kinds of things that employers should be considering with regards to care leavers and care experienced persons.
• Why christmas celebrations and birthdays can be a trigger or particularly difficult for care leavers.
• Why young people from care often have higher resilience and better life skills and are more resourceful when compared to their peers.
• Small things that you can do to promote awareness and best practice.

  Resource and information

You can find more information about Wight Oak Youth here: Website and contact Ali Steele via [email protected]

 

Care Leavers Covenant: https://mycovenant.org.uk/about/

In 2022 there were 82,170 children being looked after in England. Statistics can be found here: .GOV

    Training for your Team

Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.

Please drop me an email [email protected]

    Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

Procedure and Tips for employers about disciplinary investigations

In this episode 209 of the podcast I will explain why getting the disciplinary investigation process right is critical to successfully defending a claim for unfair dismissal and the steps that you need to take.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• Why assigning the right person to investigate is crucial.
• The steps that you need to take to set the scope of the investigation.
• When you should notify the ‘accused’ of the investigation.
• At what stage you should interview the ‘accused’.
• Getting witness accounts of events.
• Whether employees have the right to be accompanied at an investigation meeting.
• Minute taking or audio recording of the meetings.
• Dealing with reluctant witnesses.
• The frequently asked questions about disciplinary investigations.
• Some example scenarios to consider.

    Training for your Team

Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.

Please drop me an email [email protected]

    Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

In this episode 208 of the podcast I will explain what gross misconduct is so that you understand when circumstances arise that could be gross misconduct and steps to take.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• What is gross misconduct?
• The legal test for determining a fair dismissal for gross misconduct
• The difference between misconduct and gross misconduct
• Why it is important to set out what constitutes gross misconduct for your business or organisation in your disciplinary policy or rules
• What is wrongful dismissal?
• The connection between wrongful dismissal and unfair dismissal for gross misconduct
• Some interesting example cases
• 5 key points to consider and take action in relation to gross misconduct

 

Cases referred to:

Mr George v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust

Ms E Greenaway-Evans v Countryside Properties (UK) Limited

Mr Pubbi v Your-Move.co.uk I also covered the case in detail in Podcast 197 Is it fair to dismiss an employee who fails to declare bankruptcy?

Basildon Academies v Amadi

    Training for your Team

 

Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.

Please drop me an email [email protected]

    Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The reasons cases arise and steps you can take to prevent them

In this episode 207 of the podcast I bring you the most common reasons for Employment Tribunal claims to arise in our experience and ways you can reduce the risk of a claim arising.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• The most common type of legal claim in our experience at this time.
• The reasons why claims arise.
• The fact that untrained managers and/or decision makers create the highest risk.
• How following a simple process and keeping paperwork can reduce the risk of claim.
• Why creating a culture of honesty and transparency can mitigate issues from arising.
• The importance of addressing issues early on in a dispute or potential dispute.
• Why looking at alternative methods of resolving conflict, that avoid the grievance procedure is critical.
• Why managers should always follow up on reports made to them by employees regardless of the merit or seriousness of the issue raised.
• How having in the moment notes of conversations or records of your decision making at the time can be crucial to disposing of a claim at an early stage and/or winning the case.

 

Training for your Team

 

Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams.

Please drop me an email [email protected]

    Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

   

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

 

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In this episode 206 of the podcast I bring you a run down of the proposed changes to employment law announced by the government on the 10th May 2023. The gift that keeps giving….covid and furlough employment cases.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• The change announced in regard to the sunset bill.
• The fact that EU laws will be retained unless specifically revoked (for the time being at least).
• Some welcome changes to working time rules.
• Changes to holiday pay and calculations.
• Changes to TUPE transfer requirements.
• Making non-compete clauses post-termination no longer than 3 months.
• The decision of the Employment Appeal tribunal in the case of Lovingangels Care Ltd v Mhindurwa where furlough was not considered as an alternative to redundancy.

 

You can read the full judgement here: https://www.gov.uk/employment-appeal-tribunal-decisions/lovingangels-care-ltd-v-mrs-b-mhindurwa-2023-eat-65

 

If you want to ensure that you are up to date with employment law changes then subscribe to the podcast and our newsletter. To be added to the distribution list for the free fortnightly newsletter please email [email protected].

  Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

 

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

In this episode 205 of the podcast I bring you my thoughts and guidance on the appraisal process and how to ensure that you are getting it right.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• Why employers undertake appraisals.
• Why employers think they should undertake appraisals.
• Why I hate the scoring system in an appraisal process.
• The things that can go wrong.
• How to prepare for a good appraisal process.
• The process to follow.
• How to deal with issues that may arise in the meeting.
• Why follow up is critical to success.

 

If you are introducing an appraisal process or would like guidance on refreshing your process, or training for your managers then please do get in touch and we will be happy to assist.

  Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

Disability discrimination for something arising from the disability

In this episode 204 of the podcast I bring you details of a case recently decided by the Employment Appeal Tribunal which deals with the issue of behaviour arising from disability. In the case of McQueen v General Optical Council the Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal considered the reasons for the employers actions.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• Section 15 of the Equality Act 2010.
• The legal test for determining if someone has been treated unfavourably because of something arising in consequence of their disability.
• The facts of this case.
• The outcome as decided by the Tribunal and then upheld by the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
• How employers should approach issues with employees who have a disability.
• Points to note.
• How to deal with aggressive behaviours at work.

 

McQueen v General Optical Council 2023 – Employment Appeal Tribunal Case. You can read the full judgement HERE 

 

If you find yourself in a difficult scenario with an employee or perhaps you are the person on the receiving end of a disciplinary then please do get in touch and we will be happy to advise you.

  Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

   

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

In this episode 203 of the podcast I bring you a run down on the steps you need to take to effectively manage an employee who is not performing to the level you require. I also touch upon how to address those niggly attitude or behaviour issues that seem to be coming up more and more frequently.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• The starting point and self-reflection as a manager.
• Why it is important to go through an informal process first.
• What the informal performance management process looks like.
• Why a Performance Improvement Plan (known as a PIP) should be the last possible option with poor performance.
• How to go through a formal process.
• When you can issue warnings.
• How long a process should take.
• Answers to frequently asked questions about performance management.
• How to deal with poor attitude.
• How to address general small scale poor behaviours.

 

Of course at the heart of good performance management is COMMUNICATION!

 

If you would like training for your team on how to effectively manager performance issues then I am available to provide training for 1/2 day for up to 30 people for £750 plus VAT.

 

Alternatively if you would like guidance on a performance management issue or to discuss how best to deal with a scenario then please get in touch and myself or a colleague will be happy to advise you.

    Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

   

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

 

 

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