FAQs

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  – support section link)

For free managers guides and templates  –  Handling Harassment Guide (Support section)  👉 – https://breathingspacehr.co.uk/how-to-hr/

Go back to FAQs

Other questions we get asked about Support

Support

How do I legally lay off an employee?

Check the employment contract for a layoff clause. Provide written notice explaining the reason for the layoff. Offer statutory guarantee pay if eligible. Consult with the employee and explore alternatives (e.g., reduced hours). If the layoff is extended, consider redundancy procedures. The employee can also request redundancy. Employees can apply for redundancy and claim redundancy […]

Read more
Support

How do I manage an unfair dismissal claim?

Follow Procedure: Ensure that the dismissal followed a fair process, including investigation, warnings, and opportunities for improvement. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of performance issues, warnings, and any meetings or communications. Provide Reasoning: Be clear about the reasons for dismissal, ensuring they are valid and consistent with company policies. Offer Appeal: Allow the employee to […]

Read more
Support

We’re a start-up with nothing in place. What’s legally essential?

Written employment contracts, core policies (disciplinary, grievance, absence, equality, data protection), Ro-work checks, payroll and auto-enrolment, Basic H&S, and compliant onboarding. Add a staff handbook as you grow.

Read more
Support

Does an employee have to get signed back to work if they have been signed off by a Dr?

No, an employee doesn’t need to be signed back to work by a doctor unless their employer specifically requires it, such as for health and safety reasons. Fitness to work should be discussed at the return to work meeting.

Read more
Support

An employee has raised a grievance. What’s the process?

Acknowledge promptly Investigate impartially Hold a grievance meeting (allow a companion), decide and confirm in writing, and offer an appeal. Keep clear records and timeframes.

Read more
Support

Can I record an absence for someone who has a disability?

Yes, you can record an absence for an employee with a disability, but it’s important to distinguish if the absence is disability-related. You must treat it fairly, ensure reasonable adjustments are considered, and avoid penalising the employee for disability-related absences. For free managers guides and templates  –  Supporting Disabilities support  (Support section)  👉 – https://breathingspacehr.co.uk/how-to-hr/

Read more

Not found what you’re looking for? See our other categories

Fair Work Agency Explainer Download Now
Book a free consultation