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HR Problems Page
HR Problems Page
Tuesday, June 19th, 2012No reference We like the look of a candidate but his previous employer refuses to give a reference. They say they do not give references as a matter of policy. Can we assume that they had a problem with him? Reply No. I think they are being stingy, but nevertheless there are many reasons given [...]
HR Problems Page
Monday, April 30th, 2012Health & safety responsibilities I am the Manager of our Admin Office but have just been made in addition Safety Officer for the whole commercial organisation. I am told that this is because I possess good common sense, but even so I am worried stiff that I do not know enough about the topic and [...]
HR Problems Page
Wednesday, April 11th, 2012Gender statements Our rule book states on its first page “Throughout this book the male pronoun refers to both males and females”. We therefore state for example “An employee wishing to take holiday should obtain a holiday form from his manager”. However a group of women has said that this is wrong and should read [...]
HR Problems Page
Thursday, March 8th, 2012Violence in discipline interview Part way through a discipline interview the accused employee leaned over the desk and threatened to thump me. I managed to calm him down, but how should one deal with these situations? Reply Sit nearest the door! Your personal safety is the first consideration so, if you have to meet this [...]
HR Problems Page
Tuesday, February 7th, 2012Companion at informal warning I recently called an employee into my office to give her an informal warning, but she insisted on being accompanied by a colleague. Was she within her rights? I allowed it on this occasion. Reply The right exists only if the employee is called to a formal meeting, which this apparently [...]
HR Problems Page
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012Searching employees Are we entitled to search employees as they leave our premises? Reply If you wish to do this you must give prior warning to all employees and give a reason. Make clear that either you will search people at random and explain how they will be selected, or that you will search only [...]
HR Problems Page
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011Christmas premium We have decided to keep our helpline open over the Christmas weekend. What rate must we pay the affected employees for working on Christmas Day and Boxing Day? Reply Unless there are collective agreements determining these arrangements, you are free to pay whatever the two parties agree, provided that it satisfies the National [...]
HR Problems Page
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011An ageing employee We have an elderly employee who frankly is past his sell-by date. How can we get rid of him? Reply Forget age or you will find yourself contravening age discrimination legislation. Also do not rush to get rid. You have an employee who is failing to perform to standard, so what would [...]
HR Problems Page
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011End of fixed term contract One of our employees was engaged on a fixed term contract that is about to expire. We do not need her any more. Is there anything in particular we have to do other than just let her go? Reply You should treat the ending of a fixed term contract in [...]
HR Problems Page
Thursday, August 11th, 2011How long to retain warnings For how long should we retain written warnings? Reply How long is less important than telling everyone for how long you will retain written warnings, and sticking to that policy. Some organisations retain all warnings for one year, some for the same length as the warning itself, but there is [...]
HR problems page
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011Who manages appeals? I am told that, if I discipline an employee who subsequently lodges an appeal, someone else should hear the appeal. Is that so? If so, how do I cope. I am the Managing Director of a small family firm, I handle all discipline issues, and there is nobody else. Reply Ideally that [...]
HR problems page
Monday, June 13th, 2011Here we take our monthly look at answering some of the tricky HR questions we’ve been emailed. If you have a tricky HR question you needs answering email it to help@payroll-help.com and we’ll post the best here with an answer each week. Holiday pay statements We have an arrangement whereby we pay holiday pay separately from [...]
HR problems page
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011A lazy employee Can we sack a man for being lazy? Reply No, that is far too subjective. If the man is not performing to a reasonable standard you should have a discussion with him. Explain the standard required and the extent by which he is failing to reach it. Ask if he can identify [...]
HR problems page
Wednesday, January 5th, 2011Here we take our weekly look at answering some of the tricky HR questions we’ve been emailed. If you have a tricky HR question you needs answering email it to help@payroll-help.com and we’ll post the best here with an answer each week. Bullying boss I am secretary/PA to a man who is a bit of a [...]
HR Problems Page
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010Here we take our weekly look at answering some of the tricky HR questions we’ve been emailed. If you have a tricky HR question you needs answering email it to help@payroll-help.com and we’ll post the best here with an answer each week. Who should dismiss? Who should dismiss employees – the line manager or someone from [...]
