Once again an employer found out the expensive way that they must follow a proper process when dealing with discipline issues for staff.

The Employment Relations Authority awarded $14,500 to an employee who was sacked for failure to follow instructions and processes laid down by the employer … and the award amount would have been double that had the employee’s conduct leading to the dismissal not been taken into account!

Although it appears that there would have been good reason for disciplinary action against the employee, no real process was followed which allowed the employee to have any input into the decisions of the employer to give warnings and then to dismiss.

The employer unilaterally made the decisions and informed the employee without obtaining any input.

Another powerful reminder that if you wish to carry out a disciplinary process then you must carefully follow a proper process.

Our guide to the steps to take in a disciplinary process can be obtained from us free by emailing me on aknowsley@raineycollins.co.nz or telephoning me on 04 473 6850.