| Nearly half of employers avoid disciplining staff due to fears that they will be taken to tribunal, according to research by employment law firm Peninsula.
89% of respondents to the survey stated that they would feel confident about disciplining workers if they were more sure of their legal position. This indicates that increasing levels of employment regulation and red tape are failing to provide employers with a good understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities.
"Many businesses these days are so convinced that employment law is weighted on the side of employees, that they are afraid to tackle serious issues in the workplace," stated David Price, Head of Employee Relations at Peninsula.
Mr Price suggests that employers draw up clear and detailed codes of conduct and disciplinary and grievance procedures to help protect themselves and also inform staff of their responsibilities.
"If used correctly they [disciplinary and grievance procedures] ensure that everybody is dealt with fairly and reasonably. Employers must ensure that they are compliant with current legislation as there is confusion amongst employers as to what rights employees have today."
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