Employment law: ‘Lateness represents grounds for dismissal’

-

Employment law: Does lateness represents grounds for dismissal?Employers are paying more attention to the timekeeping of their staff and are willing to take action, according to a survey.

Research from Career Builder UK revealed that 39 per cent of UK bosses are focusing on the issue, with 15 per cent willing to sack workers who had been late for their job just two to three times.

However, James Carmody, an employment law specialist and principal at Reculver Solicitors argued that many cases of tardiness in the workplace should not warrant disciplinary procedures being taken by managers, despite there being legal grounds for dismissal.

He said: “It is important, though, to be consistent with staff, and it may well be unfair to discipline one person for lateness, but to let someone else get away with it.”

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

Indeed, the expert noted that many employers are aware that occasional issues with punctuality are inevitable and that employees are willing to work more hours without additional financial reward.

By Hayley Edwards



Latest news

Curtis Holmes: Payroll is the driver for employee engagement

Payroll has long been treated as a back-office necessity: essential, but not something that shapes culture or drives engagement. This no longer stands.

Labour market yet to show major AI impact on jobs, govt adviser says

A government economic adviser has challenged predictions of widespread AI-driven unemployment, arguing labour market data has yet to show disruption.

Young workers ‘pressured into signing NDAs after workplace injuries’

Workers say injuries are being hidden behind confidentiality agreements while financial pressures leave many afraid to challenge unsafe conditions.

CIPD recognises 30 HR leaders driving change across UK workplaces

The CIPD has unveiled its HR30 list for 2026, recognising senior people leaders whose work has delivered measurable impact across organisations and workforces.
- Advertisement -

Brits dream of being their own boss, but still cling to the monthly pay cheque, survey reveals

Britons say they like the idea of self-employment, but most still value the security and stability of traditional jobs.

AI Coaching Won’t Replace Managers. It Will Expose Coaching Debt.

As AI coaching expands, employers may gain a clearer view of where manager support is falling short.

Must read

Nick Mitchell: How do we stop training budgets being cut during times of recession?

Whatever the claims made by politicians of a ‘recovery’,...

David Kentish: Travelling far and wide within the sphere of global mobility

What are the social and emotional implications of relocating to another country? David Kentish discusses the emotional support needed to aid those who are relocating globally.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you