Nursery World - Marching orders

Getting rid of an established staff member is an unpleasant task, but strict rules and procedures must be followed by both sides. Jackie Nunns explains Employees have a duty to behave so that generally their actions and words are above reproach. A six-month probation period written into contracts for new starters makes it simple to sack someone if they don't make the grade in the early stages, but when an established employee won't or can't comply with workplace requirements, they may have to be dismissed. To do this you must follow the common-sense process set out in the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, a new version of which came into force in October 2004.

Employees have a duty to behave so that generally their actions and words are above reproach. A six-month probation period written into contracts for new starters makes it simple to sack someone if they don't make the grade in the early stages, but when an established employee won't or can't comply with workplace requirements, they may have to be dismissed. To do this you must follow the common-sense process set out in the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, a new version of which came into force in October 2004.

The core principles are to use procedures:

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