Final Warnings

[richardfinch]

Is there a proper procedure a small business should follow?

My sister yesterday got called into her boss's office and given a final written warning. all staff had a verbal warning a couple of months ago, but it was a complete shock to my sister getting that letter. She did not know it was coming, and all for one possible tiny error - she works with children and one child didnt have a clean nappy! how it can be proved her fault i dont know.

But just wondering if anyone knows where she might stand, ie, can she do anything, if she can, what and what are the possible consequences of taking it further

thanks

[thugulike]

Look at the acas website.  What happened to your sister does not follow correct procedure.  If she is in a trade union she should call them, if not she should join one.  CAB should be able to help too.

[MargeB]

Yes. Go and see an employment lawyer immediately. Make the position clear (about the fault not being directly her fault, and it not being something directly under her control (nappies are there for a reason). The lawyer should send a letter outlining her position to her boss.

Many bosses just lash out and are stoopid, thinking they can just have a pop at whoever. The lawyers letter will let him know that she is prepared to take action. She should expect little agro after that. He will know that unfair dismissal of her could put his job at risk.

[MargeB]

By the way, even if they follow 'procedure' it doesn't necessarily protect them. "2 verbals and a written" is not enshrined in legislation.

[BossyBoots]

-- and if it gets really nasty, check your household insurance covers legal expenses and you won't have to pay a thing and end up getting a reputable lawyer.  Worked for me!!

[MargeB]

If it gets really nasty, get him to change the nappies...

[twiglet4frog]

what kind of boss gives ALL his employees a verbal warning? seems to me like he is going to have a mutiney on his hands soon!