TREAD CAREFULLY WHEN DEALING WITH DOMESTIC STAFF DISPUTES

Confrontation with employees is always to be avoided if possible, and the last thing you should do is to give your housekeeper or other household staff member a strict ultimatum…Do this or Go.

The potential result of such a course of action has been demonstrated by a recent judgement of an Employment Tribunal which has awarded a teacher, the sum of £346,175. for being unfairly dismissed from her job of 23 years.

The Tribunal found she was forced to resign by her school, which amounted to constructive dismissal.

Without going into the specific circumstances of the case, in essence, the teacher who had been experiencing health problems was told to either accept a settlement or be put through capability proceedings.

Although disputes with housekeepers and other domestic staff are unlikely to be in the same category, it does once again bring home the point that when attempting to resolve a dispute, proper procedures must be followed. In this respect we always recommend seeking the advice of an appropriate professional before taking any action.

The Graham Agency, keeping you in touch.