Employment tribunals have soared 56% over the past year because bosses are sacking employees for tardiness too readily, according to research.
Lateness costs UK businesses almost £2bn every year, experts estimate, and stressed managers are cracking down on staff it seems. According to a study by careerbuilder.co.uk, one in six bosses are prepared to sack an employee for being late just two or three times.
However, businesses must follow employment legislation and give documented, objective, fair warning in writing so the employee has a chance to correct any wrongdoings, says the employment law experts. In legal terms, lateness comes under general misconduct and doesn’t warrant dismissal for first offence.
In legal terms, lateness comes under general misconduct and doesn’t warrant dismissal for first offence
Businesses that ignore this advice could end up at an employment tribunal and be ordered to give compensation or even reinstate the employee in a similar post, warns careerbuilder.co.uk. The Tribunal Service has published figures that show a sharp increase in the number of cases brought against employers, from 151,000 to 236,100.
Neeta Laing, head of employment at law firm Lewis Hymanson Small, advises: “If you want to dismiss an employee, follow the rules and avoid tribunal claims. Employment legislation is a minefield with many employers still unsure how to dismiss an employee properly. Employees should be given a verbal or written warning in the first instance.
“With many businesses still suffering as a result of the recession, consistently slow starters can add to the pressure and policies and procedures are often the last thing to be considered. However, it is vital the correct systems, procedures and advice are in place to protect employers from costly and unwanted tribunals.”
