Increasing your HR-know-how There are things you can do or steps you can take to increase your HR-know how. Please don't fall into the trap of thinking that you can rely solely on your HR department, manager, or your trade union representative. No, the onus is on you...
Did you know you have the statutory (legal) right to be accompanied at a formal meeting by a trade union representative, or colleague if you are an employee? A formal meeting is a meeting that could end in a sanction (warning). Note that even if your...
10 October 2018 marks my 22-year anniversary at the Bar, during which time I have seen many changes in employment legislation, ground-breaking judgments and influential reports; all too many to mention here. For example, the Employment Rights Act 1996; National Minimum Wage Act 1998; Public...
If you find yourself managed under formal processes, there is one practical thing you can do to cut through the stress and confusion - and that is to get organised. How do I do that? I'm glad you asked. Let's look at five areas: Equipment ...
Over the last several months, I have learned that being HR-wise is not an option - it is an essential requirement that can make a crucial difference as to how employees navigate employment processes. It all started late last November. Here are a few examples: ...
If you are facing a process such as a disciplinary, grievance or sickness, you need to know the details of your case better than anyone else. Don't spectate, participate Please hear me, even if you have the most outstanding trade union representative or colleague assisting you; know...
Over the years, I've heard various myths relating to sickness absence perpetuated in part by the fact that employees don't always read their employer's policies and procedures until they have to. Consequently, they don't fully appreciate that contractual sick pay places them under certain obligations. 1....
A suspension is a process by which an employer can exclude an employee in specific circumstances from the workplace pending a disciplinary investigation. Take a quick look at most suspension policies and, it won’t be long before you see phrases such as, ‘suspension is a neutral...
Earlier this summer, I asked someone who had previously faced disciplinary proceedings what he had learned from the experience. He replied, "Know your policies and procedures." I admit, reading your employers policies and procedures may be the last thing you want to do. That said,...
The most important counsel I gave to a friend and former colleague facing formal performance management was to keep her confidence and refuse to allow the situation to mess with her head. Yes, we talked about policy and process but, having the right mindset was...
