Groundworkers
Verbal Warning for Groundworkers
Plain-English guidance on verbal warning for UK groundworkers and small business owners — what the law requires and how to handle it without making costly mistakes.
Real situations groundworkers face
- —a groundworker leaving an unsupported trench open overnight on one occasion.
- —an operative not wearing a hi-vis vest while plant was operating nearby on a single occasion.
- —a groundworker failing to sign the site register on one morning despite the requirement being in the induction.
These are exactly the kinds of situations where getting the verbal warning process wrong can lead to an employment tribunal claim.
What you need to know as a groundworks employer
As a groundworks employer, handling verbal warning correctly is essential to avoid employment tribunal claims. UK employment law applies to all employers regardless of business size, and the consequences of getting the process wrong can be costly.
The situations that most commonly arise for groundworks businesses include: a groundworker leaving an unsupported trench open overnight on one occasion, an operative not wearing a hi-vis vest while plant was operating nearby on a single occasion, a groundworker failing to sign the site register on one morning despite the requirement being in the induction. Each of these requires a correct and documented process to protect your business.
This guide covers what you need to do as a groundworks employer. For the complete step-by-step process, read the full guide linked below.
Read the full guide
We have a detailed article covering verbal warning that walks you through every step of the process.
Read: Verbal Warning — the complete guide →More guides for groundworkers
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