In what is perhaps a display of rare unity, a joint statement has been issued by ACAS, the CBI and TUC about handling redundancies in these challenging Coronavirus times. The statement includes a list of guiding principles, set out below. They are principles of approach to redundancy rather than detailed guidelines, but they make good sense in keeping with the ‘do as you would be done by’ principle. They will also usually comply with the legal approach that Employment Tribunals approve, and the human approach that is much more likely to be met with Tribunal sympathy for employers who are trying to do the right thing.
Issued on 24 September 2020, the principles are as follows:
1. Do it thoroughly
To understand what’s happening, people need information and guidance. Have you trained your staff representatives in how it all works?
2. Do it genuinely
Consultation means hearing people’s views before you make a decision; so be open to alternatives from individuals and/or unions; and always feed back.
3. Do it fairly
All aspects of your redundancy procedure should be conducted fairly and without any form of discrimination.
4. Do it with dignity
Losing your job has a human as well as a business cost. The way you let people go says a lot about your organisation’s values. Think about how you will handle the conversation – whether its face-to-face or remote. And remember, you may want to rehire the same person in the future.
To read the full joint statement click here.
Before you take action on redundancies please do take advice to support you through the process, following the principles that work best for your organisation and lowering the risk as much as possible.