Features

HR Update - Letting someone go

Make sure you consider both law and ethics when dismissing someone,says Jacqui Mann of HR4 Nurseries

In April 2012 the length of service required for employees to claim unfair dismissal was increased from one to two years. Many business owners clapped their hands, thinking this would now make it easier to dismiss someone. We have several calls a week from nursery owners asking how they can dismiss someone with less than two years' service.

The first point to consider when dismissing employees is the relevance of the nine 'protected' characteristics as listed in the Equality Act: age, sex, sexual orientation, religious belief, maternity or pregnancy, gender reassignment, civil partnerships, race and disability. Be careful how you approach the dismissal - if it is perceived to be related to one of these characteristics then it is likely to result in a claim.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here