Employment Law: Attendance Rewards - Legal Ramifications

If you were thinking of offering your employees special rewards as incentives for having good attendance records, then you must read on. In fact, employers that offer attendance bonuses may find themselves falling foul of the law.

The Royal Mail introduced a rewards scheme for staff that did not to take time off sick. Under the Royal Mail's scheme, workers with full attendance records were entered into a prize draw to win Ford Focus cars or holiday vouchers worth £2,000. As a staff incentive, it seemed to work. The Royal Mail says its overall sickness absence levels fell during a nine-month period (between August and April) by 11%.

However, such schemes could have serious ramifications from a legal viewpoint, and leave employers vulnerable to a variety of legal claims.

Discrimination

Employees could bring discrimination claims on the grounds of disability or sex. The success of these claims would depend on each employee's particular circumstances and needs, whether in relation to their family, religion or health. Alternatively, qualifying employees could bring claims for being subjected to detriment treatment as a result of asserting their statutory rights, for example, for:-

Time off for dependants and antenatal care; Time off for study or training or time off for jury service Maternity leave; Adoption leave; or Paternity or parental leave;

Disability discrimination may occur if, for example, an employee had time off connected to a disability and this was not taken into account by the employer under the reward scheme. The employee might claim that the failure of the employer to set aside his/her absence for disability related reasons amounted to less favourable treatment. How can employers protect themselves from such claims?

Employers can avoid these pitfalls by including a list of exceptions in the reward scheme, for example, jury service or study leave, taking into account any statutory rights to time off; or Pay bonuses to employees connected to performance in their job rather than implementing an attendance reward. Employers should be wary of adopting an attendance bonus scheme without legal consultation.

If you require further information contact us.

Email: enquiries@rtcoopers.com

© RT COOPERS, 2005. This Briefing Note does not provide a comprehensive or complete statement of the law relating to the issues discussed nor does it constitute legal advice. It is intended only to highlight general issues. Specialist legal advice should always be sought in relation to particular circumstances.

Employment solicitors in London,employment law, Employment Lawyers, employment law firm, Redundancies, Unfair Dismissals, Breach of Contract, Workplace Disputes, TUPE Transfers, Drafting Employment Contracts, Grievance Procedures, Disciplinary Procedures, Maternity Rights,Discrimination, Employment Disputes, Suspensions, Wrongful Sismissal,Equal Pay, Media Copyright.

If you require further information email us at enquiries@rtcoopers.com. Visist our website at http://www.rtcoopers.com

---

What to Do if You are Over 40 and Have Lost Your Job

Unexpectedly loosing your job can be a very traumatic and... Read More

My Career is in the Doldrums - Do I Need a Coach or a Therapist?

Is Monday the worst day of your week? Can you... Read More

Personal Grooming: 8 Top Reasons Why You Can?t Take It For Granted In Your Career

Most people when they landed "the dream job" after an... Read More

Find A Job In A Fast Growing Field Using Labor Market Information For Your State

The question confronting most people who want to find a... Read More

Now, Do You Have Any Questions?

"Who is that hot babe in the picture?" isn't the... Read More

Feedback: Take It or Leave It ... But Get It

The expense was substantial. An immersion workshop with twelve participants... Read More

Ten Things To Do When You Really, Really Hate Your Job

1. Begin focusing on what you want instead of how... Read More

Applying for a Job in China

Working in ChinaWorking in China is very common now. Either... Read More

Believe And Get Hired

Good things seem to come in bunches, especially in a... Read More

How To Create A Winning Impression In Your New Job

Congratulations! You've just been appointed to your new job. Now... Read More

Tips for Requesting a Raise

You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your... Read More

How To Choose The Right Resume Format

After a thirty (30) second glance lots of resumes get... Read More

Career Search from Within

Seeking meaningful and fulfilling work can become a discouraging, confusing... Read More

Job Interviews & the Magic of Music

Can music help you with your next job interview? It... Read More

The Top 10 Mistakes Job Seekers Should Avoid In Contacting An Employer

There are numerous tools and resources available to guide job... Read More

Mastering the Job Interview - 5 Tips to Make Yourself Irresistible to the Interviewer

So you've figured out, more or less what you want... Read More

20 Questions That Helped Me Take A Leap Of Faith And Change Careers

When I was working more than 45 hours a week... Read More

The 10-Step Resume Critique

Your resume will generally receive a 15- to 30-second scan... Read More

Resumes That Rock (16 Expert Tips)

It's never too early to update your resume, even if... Read More

Shades of Grey

A paperweight sits on my desk, etched in... Read More

Interview Preparation

The dreaded job interview is the Number 1 source of... Read More

The Fallibility of Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing has become rampant across industries, more so in... Read More

Tips For Successful Job Hunting: How To Get A Job Without A Resume

I am in my mid-thirties, and, as you can imagine,... Read More

How To Write A Job Winning Resume That Puts Yours On Top

Many people would love to get a better job. And... Read More

Playing from the Blue Tees: Women in the Federal Government

Throughout the past decade, workplace diversity issues have allowed organizations... Read More

Petite Modeling: What Should You Wear to Your First modeling Photo Shoot?

If you're looking into making the petite modeling industry your... Read More

Why Do You Want This Job?

Why Do You Want This Job? Is it because any... Read More

Independent RN Contractors Are Taking The Nursing Profession

Nurses wake up and take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity.... Read More

The Surefire Way To Getting A Pay Raise

If you are working for someone else, it is important... Read More

The Computer-Friendly Resume

The evolution of technology is changing the traditional methods for... Read More

How to Get Hired by Being Obvious

If you want a drink of water, do you hire... Read More

Become A Personal Trainer

Every human body is different and a personal trainer will... Read More

Managing The Boss Is Essential To Career Success

Your boss is the gatekeeper of your career. Unless you... Read More