Cleaning companies and cleaning contractors have to become experts in employment law and dealing with HR issues is more and more complex and when dismissing cleaners you need to follow certain procedures, we have listed them below;

Clearly establish the facts before deciding whether formal action is necessary. The facts must be recorded, e.g. documentary evidence, business rationale, written statements, minutes of informal investigatory meetings or formal consultation meetings.

Hold a fair reason
There are specific reasons which are considered ‘potentially fair’ in employment law for dismissing an employee, such as conduct, capability, redundancy etc. The reason for dismissal must fall into one of these reasons if it is to be found fair.

Follow a fair procedure
The specific procedure will vary dependent on the reason for dismissal. Always take specialist advice when contemplating dismissals to ensure a fair process is followed and that this can be evidenced if necessary. Contractual procedures should also be followed, providing these are legally compliant. Promptness and consistency play a large part in fairness.

Notify the employee of the requirement to attend a formal meeting
Write to the employee, giving them reasonable notice of the requirement to attend a formal meeting, providing details of the reason for the meeting and enabling them to fully understand and prepare to respond. Enclose all supporting evidence and provide the employee with details of any process which has been/will be followed. Make clear that that a likely outcome may be their dismissal.

Advise the employee of their statutory right to be accompanied at the meeting
This right entitles the employee to be accompanied by a fellow employee or a trade union official, though, in certain circumstances, you may wish to consider a wider range of companion. Consider postponement of the hearing on grounds that the preferred companion is not available on the scheduled meeting date.

Hold the formal meeting
Ensure the purpose and reason for the meeting is re-stated and understood and allow the employee the opportunity to fully state any response. The employer may question the employee if necessary to establish further details. Allow contribution by the companion where appropriate. Do not communicate any decision regarding any decision during the meeting or make any comments which indicate the outcome has been pre-judged and take full minutes.

Adjourn the meeting before decision is communicated
After the meeting had been adjourned, consider carefully any submissions or comments made by the employee or their companion. Consider whether dismissal is within a reasonable range of responses to the circumstances.

Check any statutory or contractual obligations
Where dismissal will take place, check the contractual or statutory notice period the employee requires and whether it is a requirement/appropriate that the employee works their notice period. Calculate holiday pay due/owed and any further statutory payments e.g. statutory redundancy pay.

Confirm the decision in writing and advise of right of appeal
Advise the employee they have the right of appeal. The grounds for the appeal must be put in writing, along with the name of person they should appeal to and the timescale within which the appeal must be received.

Hear the appeal
Where an appeal is lodged, the person who hears the appeal meeting should, wherever practicable, have not been involved in the original decision to dismiss. Again, the employee should be informed in writing of the appeal hearing and of the right to be accompanied. The outcome of the appeal should also be communicated to the employee in writing.

Author Bio: Daniel Stiller runs a London based Office Cleaning
Company providing cleaning services in the UK which is now one of the UK leading Cleaning Companies

Category: Business Management
Keywords: cleaners, office cleaners