Hi all!
A close friend of mine has a disciplinary hearing in work with allegations of stealing made towards him, he denies this completely. He's been suspended and is waiting on a letter to outline exactly what's involved. Can anyone tell me in these cases is it a good idea to have a solicitor attend the hearing with him. He is extremely distressed right now and has never been through anything like this before. He is not in a union.
I've read on some other posts that sometimes these 'letters' will specifically request that solicitors do not accompany employees, only work colleagues or union reps.
Why is this? I would have a thought an employee at such an important meeting is entitled to have with him or her somebody familiar with the procedure which would be either their TU official or solicitor. Even if the employer has no one else there, you can be sure that the employer has been fully advised and will be working off a script. Should he consult a solicitor now or wait for the letter? How long does the hearing usually take place after he receives the letter?
His employment contract says "An individual has the right to request the presence of either an appropriate member of staff or a trade union representative".
There is no mention of a solicitor. He hasn't got the letter outlining the allegation yet. Are you saying there is no point in contacting a solicitor until he gets the letter? What kind of ballpark figure would a solicitor cost for taking this kind of thing on do you think?
A close friend of mine has a disciplinary hearing in work with allegations of stealing made towards him, he denies this completely. He's been suspended and is waiting on a letter to outline exactly what's involved. Can anyone tell me in these cases is it a good idea to have a solicitor attend the hearing with him. He is extremely distressed right now and has never been through anything like this before. He is not in a union.
I've read on some other posts that sometimes these 'letters' will specifically request that solicitors do not accompany employees, only work colleagues or union reps.
Why is this? I would have a thought an employee at such an important meeting is entitled to have with him or her somebody familiar with the procedure which would be either their TU official or solicitor. Even if the employer has no one else there, you can be sure that the employer has been fully advised and will be working off a script. Should he consult a solicitor now or wait for the letter? How long does the hearing usually take place after he receives the letter?
His employment contract says "An individual has the right to request the presence of either an appropriate member of staff or a trade union representative".
There is no mention of a solicitor. He hasn't got the letter outlining the allegation yet. Are you saying there is no point in contacting a solicitor until he gets the letter? What kind of ballpark figure would a solicitor cost for taking this kind of thing on do you think?