When dealing with performance or conduct issues, it can be tempting to see the appeal stage as a final formality – something to complete once the real decision has already been made. The decision in Milrine v DHL shows why that approach is risky. Even a dismissal that appears fair can be overturned if the… [Read More]

Disciplinary cases rarely involve just one issue. Very often, an employee faces several separate allegations at the same time. When this happens, it’s vital that you deal with each allegation individually rather than treating them as one overall problem. Why? Because separating allegations – and reaching a clear conclusion on each – gives employers a… [Read More]

An employment contract is the foundation of the relationship between an employer and employee. It sets out the main terms that both sides have agreed. However, some terms are implied, such as the duty of trust and confidence, and in certain situations, terms found in other documents can also become part of the contract.  This… [Read More]

It’s a wonderful thing that workplaces are often multicultural environments, and a reality that in many workplaces in the UK workers will speak different native languages. Employers have a fine line to tread if they try to manage this – if you allow everyone to speak their own languages, then communication may suffer and some… [Read More]

The Oxford Learners Dictionary defines ‘banter’ as ‘friendly remarks and jokes’. On the face of it, you would think that workplaces would welcome ‘banter’ with open arms – it puts people at ease, lightens the mood and helps the working day go that bit quicker. However, we’re all aware that ‘banter’ isn’t always friendly’. Unfortunately,… [Read More]