Discipline
Suspending an employee is not a decision an employer should take without consideration of whether it is truly necessary, and suspension should not be used as a disciplinary measure. Maya Alba-Heller looks at what the latest Acas guidance says.
Although a recent Court of Appeal decision concerning suspension in relation to safeguarding concerns provides an element of reassurance for employers, consultant editor Darren Newman explains why suspension should still be used only sparingly.
In February 2019, Acas made changes to its guide on discipline and grievances, which complements the "Acas code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures". We set out the key updates, in particular the amended guidance on workers seeking to postpone a disciplinary hearing because their preferred companion is unavailable.
With the Court of Appeal due to hear the appeal against the High Court decision in Agoreyo that the suspension of a teacher was a repudiatory breach of contract, consultant editor Darren Newman looks at the issue of suspension when it relates to safeguarding concerns.
Consultant editor Darren Newman looks at a recent decision highlighting the potential danger in proceeding with a disciplinary hearing where the employee's chosen companion is not available - even where the requested postponement falls outside the period allowed for under the statutory right to be accompanied.
This article looks at local authority discipline and dismissal procedures for senior officers, and the involvement of councillors in other disciplinary action.
Commentary and insights: HR and legal information and guidance relating to discipline.