2. Legal Requirements

Legal Requirements and Essential Policies

You are required to have a written disciplinary procedure and a written grievance procedure and an Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy

Disciplinary Procedure 

The disciplinary procedure will explain what will happen in a situation where disciplinary action may need to be considered. This will be in situations where there has been a breach of the rules (misconduct) or where there is poor performance (capability). A similar procedure may also be followed in cases of absence (short and long term absence). 

Please refer to the section on Disciplinary for further information. 

Grievance Procedure

There is a legal requirement to have a written grievance procedure. The procedure explains how an employee can raise a concern about their employment and how this will then be handled.

Please refer to the section on Grievances for further information.

Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy

There is a legal requirement to have a written anti bullying policy.  The policy explains how the employer will prevent bullying in the workplace and how an employee can raise a concern if they feel they are being bullied.

Please refer to the section on Anti-Bullying for further information.

Equal Opportunities

While there is not a legal requirement to have a written equal opportunities policy, there is a legal requirement not to discriminate against employees on prescribed grounds. A policy will confirm that you will not unlawfully discriminate and also acts as a 'statutory' defence in any situation where one of your employees may discriminate (i.e. you can confirm that you do not condone such behaviour and that the employee is in breach of your policy). 

Please refer to the section on Equal Opportunities for further information.