You may have been wondering how best to deal with any disciplinary and grievance issues that might arise during the lockdown. Well, helpfully, ACAS has now published some guidance on the matter.
In simple terms, ACAS confirms that disciplinary and grievance issues can still be dealt with at this time, including if people are on furlough.
This is as long as:
• The employee is doing it voluntarily; and
• it takes place in line with current public health guidance.
Various adjustments may need to be made to your normal procedures, given current social distancing rules. For example, ACAS suggests that employers may need to consider using video conferencing, rather than face to face meetings.
Whatever measures you are thinking of putting in place, ACAS recommends talking through the options with everyone involved before making any decisions. You are also encouraged to carefully consider the health and wellbeing of your employees. After all, these sorts of procedures can be stressful at the best of times. With emotions further heightened as a result of the current pandemic, it is especially important to consider how people are ‘feeling’ about the manner in which they are being treated.
If you are having to consider pursuing a disciplinary or grievance procedure and need our support, please get in touch. You can also access the full ACAS guidance via the link below:
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