Employees are the foundation of any successful business, especially in the early phases of growth.
However, if employees aren’t achieving their individual goals or become disruptive, it becomes increasingly difficult for management to achieve their strategic objectives.
Employees are increasingly aware of their rights and willing to enforce them. Unfortunately, you can become the target of a legal challenge, whether the employee’s allegations have merit or not.
Legal landscape for employment disputes
The independent body that hears and decides employment disputes is called Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. The formal process is beyond the scope of this article, but their website provides details for both employees and employers.
There has been some suggestion the Ministry of Justice may bring tribunal fees back at a lower level to strike a balance between the employee and the employer, but to date there have been no further updates.
Maintain employment dispute procedures
Employers in the UK are required to give employees a written statement of the main terms and conditions of their employment, which includes policies and procedures for dealing with both disciplinary and grievance issues.
To guard against employment disputes, policies and procedures should be carefully considered with respect to:
• discipline and termination of employment;
• preventing discrimination and harassment; and
• handling complaints of harassment, inc sexual harassment & discrimination.
Educate and train your managers
Adequate training should be offered to managers concerning employment disputes to ensure they have the necessary skills and awareness. Talking to employees and trying to find an early resolution can often be the most effective way of dealing with any issues.
A valuable resource of information and capacity to provide training courses to your employees is available from Acas. The website provides a wide selection of advice through all the stages of an employment dispute and tribunal.
Seek independent employment dispute advice
Not all SMEs will have resource available in-house to deal with employment disputes, but obtaining sound advice on your plan of action can protect your business from a time consuming and costly employment tribunal.
Employment disputes insurance
Insurers will have access to a panel of law firms at their disposal to protect their interest. Reacting quickly with a thorough legal defence can often be the most effective response to an allegation.
Bitter and embroiled employment disputes can take a heavy burden on your business. An insurance policy can mitigate the financial cost and manage any claims on your behalf through to resolution.
Originally posted by Get Indemnity
This guide is for information purposes and based on sources we believe are reliable, the general risk management and insurance information is not intended to be taken as advice with respect to any individual circumstance and cannot be relied upon as such.