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/
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.
Read moreYou continue the suspension process, as a fit note for work-related stress does not override the suspension. However, you should acknowledge the fit note, offer support, and manage the investigation sensitively.
Read moreCheck 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 moreYes, 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 moreKeep in touch sensitively, hold review meetings, seek medical/Occupational Health advice. Consider reasonable adjustments, and follow your absence/capability policy. Treat long-term sickness fairly and consistently.
Read moreInvest 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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