This article is written further to the webinar Employment Law webinar that we hosted on Wednesday 30th September.
There has never been a more important time for employers to re-assess the employment relationship. Furlough leave is coming to an end and the new Job Support Scheme is already causing worry. Many employees are returning to newly negotiated terms and conditions and many businesses are facing complete overhaul in light of the impact the pandemic has had and are exploring redundancies.
Employers do not generally want to make redundancies but a correct and fair process can help achieve the best, most useful results. The important thing is to start with a clear assessment of what the business needs. It might be that employees can go part time, however it will need to be considered whether the Job Support Scheme makes this more expensive than cutting down the workforce.
Businesses worry about losing key staff and not being ableto guarantee them a return but the redundancy process can actually be helpful inthis regard, as many businesses find things are changing on a weekly basis andother alternatives to redundancy arising throughout the consultation process.
The employment relationship is all about being reasonable. Communication with staff and documenting everything is paramount. Most employees treated with empathy will be on your side, and, of course, the relationship is mutual. Employees need to understand the reasons for the changes, which is where clear and concise communication helps.
Naturally the process of change can be trying when employees refuse to engage, or, for example, an employee on maternity leave cries discrimination when she has been selected fairly.
However, as long as businesses have genuine business needsand fulfil the statutory definition of redundancy, that work is diminishing ordisappearing in that particular area, it will be difficult for anyone to mounta challenge, maternity leave or not.
Getting back on track can of course present difficulties. What of the problem employees who refuse to come back, the one who flouts your new social distancing guidelines or do not self isolate when they are supposed to, potentially putting others at risk? In these cases, businesses must be robust and prepared to make it clear that such actions merit possible disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal. Suspension on full pay is also an option whilst you investigate and decide what to do.
There is no doubt these times of adjustment will be difficult for businesses re-grouping, cutting down or changing around their workforces but as far as the logistics go, get the right team around you and there will be no situation that cannot be sorted out on a legally sound basis.
About the Author
Prospect Law is a multi-disciplinary practice with specialist expertise in the energy and environmental sectors with particular experience in the low carbon energy sector. The firm is made up of lawyers, engineers, surveyors and finance experts.
Philippa Wood is a solicitor with many years’ experience advising on all areas of contentious and non-contentious employment law. Her clients include individuals and companies of all sizes from entrepreneurs to global brands. Philippa qualified as a solicitor in 2005 after working for 13 years in the media, most notably being part of the start-up team for two national cable television stations in the 1980s and 90s.
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This article is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and it should not be relied on in any way.
For more information or assistance with a particular query, please in the first instance contact Adam Mikula on 020 7947 5354 or by email on adm@prospectlaw.co.uk.
