FAQs

How do I legally lay off an employee?

  1. Check the employment contract for a layoff clause.
  2. Provide written notice explaining the reason for the layoff.
  3. Offer statutory guarantee pay if eligible.
  4. Consult with the employee and explore alternatives (e.g., reduced hours).
  5. If the layoff is extended, consider redundancy procedures. The employee can also request redundancy.
    Employees can apply for redundancy and claim redundancy pay if they’ve been laid off or put on short-time working and receive less than half a week’s pay for:
    4 or more weeks in a row
    6 or more weeks in a 13-week period
  6. Employees continue to ‘accrue’ (build up) holiday in the usual way during lay-offs and short-time working.

Make sure to follow fair procedures to avoid claims of unfair dismissal.For free managers guides and templates  –  Termination Guide and template letter (Support section)  👉 – https://breathingspacehr.co.uk/how-to-hr/

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Other questions we get asked about Support

Support

What documents should we keep during grievances/disciplinaries?

Investigatory notes, statements, letters/invitations, evidence considered, outcome letters, and appeal records. Store securely and only as long as necessary.

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Support

Can I dismiss someone who has a disability?

Yes, you can dismiss someone with a disability, but only if there is a fair reason, such as misconduct or capability issues, and after considering reasonable adjustments. Dismissal must not be related to the disability itself, to avoid discrimination claims. For free managers guides and templates  –  Supporting Disabilities support  (Support section)  👉 – https://breathingspacehr.co.uk/how-to-hr/

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Support

Disciplinaries and grievances feel constant. How do we reduce them?

Invest in manager training, set clear expectations, keep documentation tidy, and resolve issues informally where appropriate. Consistency and early intervention prevent escalation.

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Engage

How can we manage resistance to change during mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring?

Communicate clearly and early, involve employees where possible, and support managers to lead through change. Consistency, transparency, and listening to concerns help build trust and reduce resistance.

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Support

What is considered workplace harassment?

Workplace harassment is any unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic (e.g., age, race, sex, disability, religion) that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Harassment can include verbal, physical, or non-verbal behaviour and can involve bullying, inappropriate jokes, or discriminatory comments  (For a free Managers Guide , go to  How To HR  […]

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Support

How do we handle disciplinaries?

Start with a fair investigation. Consider suspension only if necessary. If there’s a case to answer, invite to a hearing with evidence, allow a companion, decide an appropriate outcome, and offer a right of appeal.

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