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Do you know how much it could cost to dismiss someone?

We all know that staff are a company’s greatest asset, we also know that they can also be a company’s biggest headache! So, what happens when we come to the decision to end someones contract?

The average pay out for a successful unfair dismissal claim is now at almost £30,000!!

Since the supreme court ruled that tribunal fees are a barrier to justice, claims against employers have soared by a staggering 90%! It costs an ex-employee absolutely nothing to appeal, so why wouldn’t they?

Best advice here is, if you don’t know, get assistance off someone who does! The truth of the matter is, if you do need to dismiss someone, do it fairly and correctly. Try and make the process as painless as possible for everyone, but make sure there is a process!

Firstly, Follow a fair dismissal process. I can’t emphasis how important this is, your employee might be having some difficulties that you aren’t aware of. ASK the questions, discuss the problem and even offer to assist, you never know, your assistance could solve the problem and you may, very quickly, end up with a lifelong dedicated employee performing at the top level. Of course follow a procedure for doing this, record all actions taken, but don’t be too hasty, you never know…

 

However, if we are talking about a serious matter and you really don’t think you have any other options, you must have one of five fair reasons for dismissal;

  • Conduct
  • Capability
  • Redundancy
  • Statutory illegality
  • Some other substantial reason. (SOSR)

I’m not going in to detail about the above ‘fair reasons’, A lot of it is really just common sense. (and I’m not an employment expert) One of my favourite sayings is ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ (I’ve just learnt that is based on words from the bible!)

So be nice, or if you can’t be nice get some expert advice!

Do you want your team to step up just a little bit more? Please do get in touch  andreamaloney@actioncoach.com

If you like what I’ve said, please share, you may just help someone 🙂