ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses: problems and performance management, including sickness absence management; Disciplinary and grievance issues; Release: in terms of dismissal, redundancy and resignation and Return. Most issues are fairly obvious, as is the difference between misconduct and gross misconduct. As it suggests, gross misconduct is reserved for serious issues such as racism or theft or violence, but may also include matters that are serious to the specific company. An investigation may take the form of interviewing witnesses to an incident and taking statements, or reviewing and printing off emails and other correspondence. Basically, this is the process of gathering evidence to help decide whether or not the matter should be taken further. There is no specific legal requirement about the amount of notice that should be given, but a common guideline is that a minimum of 48 hours is reasonable. The point is to give the employee reasonable time in which to prepare.
