Employee relations

S A U C G T G I E V I S T T Y E D

Ask delegates to consider the following scenario and to prepare letters in pairs or in a group. Flip chart paper would assist in discussing the results in plenary. Prepare a letter inviting an employee to a disciplinary hearing. The employee has only a few months service and his manager has complained to you that the employee never follows instructions nor carries out activities to a reasonable standard. Other members of staff complain that he uses offensive language in the staff room. The matter has come to a head because last week he failed to attend a days mandatory training course without any explanation being offered. The manager wants him to be dismissed. The following is a sample letter that might be used either for a handout at the end of the exercise or simply to aid discussion.

Sample
Tuesday Dear Mr Jones I am writing to invite you to attend a formal meeting with myself to discuss several issues which are causing me concern and dissatisfaction. I have listed examples of the basis of the grounds for this dissatisfaction. These are circumstances that are leading me to contemplate dismissing you by reason of misconduct. Your continued inability to follow instructions and carry out tasks to a reasonable and expected standard. Using offensive language in the staffroom in earshot of other staff. Failing to attend a mandatory training course last Friday.

Therefore please attend a meeting in my office on Friday at 1pm. You must take all reasonable steps to attend the meeting. If you do not do so a decision may be taken in your absence. You may wish to bring a colleague or a Trade Union representative to the meeting as accompaniment and support if you wish. Please inform me of your companion before the meeting. A Trade Union representative or official will be required to provide evidence of their status. During the meeting I will listen to any explanations you may have in answer to the problems and once the meeting has taken place, I will take time to consider all the information before reaching a decision. I will let you know the outcome of the meeting when a decision has been reached. Yours sincerely

Mrs Smith