Avoiding expensive tribunals: Seamless support and expert representation.
The scenario:
A rural veterinary practice saw an informal grievance by one of its employees move swiftly to multiple written allegations against colleagues and senior management and allegedly involved poor supervision, lack of training and discrimination.
What happened?
Through rradarstation, the clients educated themselves using advice with the online resources and took early, appropriate and preventative action.
rradar also advised on all aspects of handling the informal and written grievances.
As the case progressed and the client needed representation, already fully aware of the circumstances, rradar were able to offer seamless support, reacting and moving fast to protect their business.
rradar advised on the investigation process, obtaining of statements and communication. The grievance was not upheld and the employee appealed, introducing new grounds. rradar advised on the ACAS procedure and tribunal claim.
The outcome
Due to robust defence of the client, the claimant’s solicitor withdrew and the claimant abandoned their claim with a letter of apology.
No fees were incurred in dealing with all grievance issues, saving our client in the region of £3,000 to £6,000. The triggering of the Rural Protect policy and defence of the tribunal claim also saved them up to £15,000 in additional legal fees.
Claims against an insured person and employment practice claims cover are provided as standard under the personal liability section of Rural Protect and legal costs are covered. As a director of any business, it is important to respond to allegations by an employee and prepare your legal defence.
Separate optional employment practices liability is also available under Rural Protect, providing cover against alleged unfair dismissal brought against a business by an employee. Court attendance costs can also be covered up to £250 a day.
Something to think about
Employee grievances can escalate quickly and unexpectedly. What happens when an employee issue spins out of control? How can you handle the fallout avoiding costly tribunals and hefty settlement?
