Unfair Dismissal/Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures 18 Nov 08

This course is for business owners, human resources personnel, managers, supervisors and trade union/staff representatives

Unfair Dismissal

Jersey is still going through a major transition in terms of employment legislation. The law relating to unfair dismissal (the Employment Law 2003) came into effect on 1st July 2005. This course is designed to alert employers and employees to the implications of the legislation in terms of their current and future procedures.Avoiding unfair dismissal claims is an important issue for everyone involved in the employment of staff, line managers/supervisors alike. This course will allow you to benchmark your existing policies and procedures against best practice and ensure they comply with existing and future legislation.

Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures

Key to avoiding unfair dismissal are appropriate disciplinary and grievance procedures. Despite the efforts of employees and employers to work together in harmony, disputes will inevitably arise in the workplace. When this occurs, the best outcome possible is that the matter is dealt with quickly and, above all, fairly.

Good procedures to deal with disciplinary and grievance issues are important. They provide a mutually beneficial framework for the employment relationship; encourage improvements in individual conduct; allow employees to raise appropriate concerns; make for well-ordered employee relations.

Under the Employment (Jersey) Law 2003, (which came into force on 1st July 2005) it is required that each individual’s written statement of main terms of employment refers to the issue of disciplinary and grievance procedures. Amendments to be introduced shortly also provide statutory rights to representation.

By the end of the programme you will:

• Be familiar with key elements of the legislation
• Understand the issues related to the introduction of new legislation on unfair dismissal
• Appreciate the importance of having formal procedures for dealing with disciplinary and grievance matters
• Understand the benefits to both employer and employee
• Be able to design and implement and work with procedures that are appropriate to your organisation
• Ensure that fairness and consistency are features of your procedures and that they are operated properly
• Be able to recognise and avoid the pitfalls that can surround the effective management of discipline and grievance issues
• Be in a better position to accommodate the new employment legislation now in place.
• Review existing workplace procedures and policies in the light of best practice and new legislation

The session is participative and case studies will be used to illustrate key aspects of the learning.