The EZHR Weekly Update 16th February 2023

In this week’s update, we talk all things floristry,  bad driving, salaries (via the ONS & CIPD) plus how the government think they can help get people off sick leave and back into work.

A florist driver who was dismissed for “a poor driving record and a history of using the vehicle and sustaining damage outside of his employment” has won a tribunal for unfair dismissal.

The driver was simply issued with a P45 and worked for the company for over 20 years, the employer failed to engage with any form of disciplinary process, and this any mitigating circumstances.

The tribunal recognised that the driver’s behaviour was blameworthy but the lack of an overall process meant that the tribunal was left with no option but to award a successful unfair dismissal award. That said the payment was reduced by 50% due to the blameworthy conduct.

No matter how right you think you are, if you’ve failed to observe the process you won't be.

Additionally, there have been reports from the ONS & the CIPD this week,

The CIPD has reported that expectations for pay awards have risen to 5%. This is up significantly from the previous standards.

While the ONS has published a report detailing that the salaries have risen by 6.7% on average.

Despite the rise in salaries, people are still finding it hard to keep pace with the cost of living with real wages falling by 2.5%. There is still a push from employees to increase their earning potential whether this is through additional hours, secondary employment or pay increases.

It is anticipated that this will put pressure on the Bank of England to raise interest rates again next month from their present level of 4 per cent.

Finally, The Telegraph is reporting that the government is looking at ways in which GPs assess an individual's fitness for work.

They are exploring options in which they can reduce the number of people signed off with sickness, instead helping them to remain in employment.

The plans are being considered for next month’s Budget to reduce the number of people off work with long-term sickness in the wake of the pandemic.

The reality is that many GPs have a responsibility to their patient’s health, what you’re likely to see is an increase in alternative working arrangements proposed by GPs which may cause more complications as employers try to understand complex health conditions.  

If you need any help with these matters or any of your HR Headaches don't hesitate to get in contact.