News

The importance of having a robust disciplinary regime for employees

A number of small businesses avoid disciplining their staff for fear of legal action. Employers feel employment law and the Tribunal system is weighted towards workers, with employers feeling unable to discipline staff due to feeling legally underconfident. The importance of a well-defined disciplinary procedure cannot be over emphasised. With the correct systems in place employers should not feel afraid to use them.

A clear and effective disciplinary policy offers many benefits, including:

Clear guidelines for employee behaviour:

A straightforward, easy-to-understand disciplinary policy will tell your employees what you expect of them and what conduct you will not tolerate. Enforcing the policy in a uniform manner will show your employees that you take these rules seriously.

Good morale for other employees:

It’s true that the employee you discipline is not likely to enjoy a morale boost, but the rest of your workforce will. Other employees do not like to see a co-worker getting away with poor, unproductive behaviour. And, if a problem employee is allowed to misbehave without suffering any consequences, others in the workforce will soon realise that they can get away with unacceptable behaviour, too.

Protection against Employment Tribunal Claims:

If you clearly inform your employees of the consequences of poor behaviour and enforce your policy fairly, you will be able to take appropriate action with confidence. It will be more difficult for an employee to argue that his or her dismissal was unfair if you can show that you told your employees what conduct would result in discipline, and that this particular employee had been subject to prior disciplinary action.

Dyne Solicitors Limited - 01829 773100, info@dynesolicitors.co.uk