Mod Question - Employees Seeking Advice

[yorkshirejames]

To the mods - is it possible we can have a 'sticky' in this section, called something like "fao employees seeking advice on dismissal and redundancy".

There have been a number of messages posted here recently, from people looking for advice on their own employment rights. Now I'm not sure what opinion the mods/site owner have on this, but myself (and a number of others on here) believe that this website is for business owners, and that the main sorts of employment questions that should be appearing here are those from the company side.

A suggested draft (very draft) faq could read something along the following lines:

UK Business Forums is intended mainly for managers and business owners to discuss issues (including for example employment advice from the point of view of the company). Whilst people are free to ask questions that relate to their own employment (inc possible dismissal/redundancy) we would advise that this forum is unlikely to be the best place for you to obtain sympathy/advice on your situation.

Whilst we cannot endorse or recommend, the following forums are often listed as being appropriate places for advice for workers: http://www.consumeractiongroup.org.uk http://www.moneysavingexpert.com http://www.armchairadvice.co.uk (and any other sites that other people can add to the list).

Whilst you are welcome to post your message, you should be aware that many business owners take a dim view of employees wanting to claim as much money as possible out of a company. Where forum members consider it appropriate, they will reply to your message with constructive advice, though please remember that the majority of our members are not experts (and we are unable to verify those who state to be solicitors/employment consultants). Any advice given is general case only, and neither the member nor the forum can be liable for any advice or omission.

These general links may also be of interest:
Employment Tribunals Service - http://www.employmenttribunals.gov.uk/
Guide for Employees of Insolvent Companies - http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/pdfs/guidanceleafletspdf/guideforemployees.pdf
Direct.gov advice on redundancy - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/RedundancyAndLeavingYourJob/index.htm

Should you decide now or in the future to start your own business (either a limited company or as a sole trader) you will be welcomed warmly on our forum.

What do others think please? Is anyone else annoyed? Am I worrying over something that doesn't exist?

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

The employees don't always receive the tea and sympathy that they are looking for, because as business owners we are able to see the other side of the coin so much more clearly.

This tends to create an atmosphere where the OP feels the replies are unfair and harsh, which although they are usually totally fair, does tend to lead the conversation down a less objective route.

I agree with James suggestions.

 

[Williams lester]

Another vote for that here.

 

[Richie N]

I agree, I also feel we should have an ultimate recruitment thread, as well as employment, as this can cover all aspects of recruitment.

 

[yorkshirejames]

I agree, I also feel we should have an ultimate recruitment thread, as well as employment, as this can cover all aspects of recruitment.

Thanks all

I should perhaps emphasise that I have no involvement at all with any of the links that I posted above, except that every so often I dip into a couple of the employee advice forums and see if I can help.

This message on our forum perhaps explains the point more eloquently than I have.

 

[Becky Midgley]

It's an interesting request, I will look into it. In the meantime, if you have any employment/HR queries, can I point you in the direction of HRzone.co.uk - you will definitely find what you are looking for there.

You'll have to register to get in to all the good stuff, but it's well worth it.

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

In the meantime, if you have any employment/HR queries, can I point you in the direction of HRzone.co.uk - you will definitely find what you are looking for there.

You'll have to register to get in to all the good stuff, but it's well worth it.

I think you miss the point a wee bit :|.

We're not saying we want more information about employee disputes, we're saying please gently encourage the employee posters to go elsewhere.

 

[Becky Midgley]

Ah right! Sorry about that. I have asked the other mods what they think; can't see a problem but am trying to run a democracy!

Are employee posters a real problem here?

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

Its not that their a problem, its just that they've come through to the wrong place for the type of advice that they're after. They would be far better off on other more employee focused forums, I think UKBF is a bit to focused on the harsh realities that maybe they're not so happy to hear.

 

[Becky Midgley]

That's great input - thank you for that. I'll definitely see what I can do.

 

[silvermusic]

is it possible we can have a 'sticky' in this section, called something like "fao employees seeking advice on dismissal and redundancy".

Excellent idea and for all the reasons you mention.

 

[yorkshirejames]

Its not that their a problem, its just that they've come through to the wrong place for the type of advice that they're after. They would be far better off on other more employee focused forums, I think UKBF is a bit to focused on the harsh realities that maybe they're not so happy to hear.

Well put boxby.

 

[yorkshirejames]

It's an interesting request, I will look into it. In the meantime, if you have any employment/HR queries, can I point you in the direction of HRzone.co.uk - you will definitely find what you are looking for there.

You'll have to register to get in to all the good stuff, but it's well worth it.

Is HRzone.co.uk aimed at managers or at workers please? Upon looking at it, it appears to be aimed at managers/business owners/HR professionals - so I'm sure you DON'T want workers looking at it?

 

[Becky Midgley]

Yes, James - I misunderstood the original post for which I apologised. You are right, it is for HR professionals, and I think it would be fine for employees to look at because it has detailed information about factors which affect their employment.

But in this case, it was a bad recommendation - again, I apologise for misunderstanding.

I am arranging the sticky as we speak, hope to add it before the end of the week.

 

[yorkshirejames]

Yes, James - I misunderstood the original post for which I apologised. You are right, it is for HR professionals, and I think it would be fine for employees to look at because it has detailed information about factors which affect their employment.

But in this case, it was a bad recommendation - again, I apologise for misunderstanding.

I am arranging the sticky as we speak, hope to add it before the end of the week.

Sounds good, many thanks Becky.

 

[yorkshirejames]

Becky, did this ever get done please?

 

[Becky Midgley]

Hi James

My bad, I should have reported this sooner. We have not taken any further action on this yet because we are looking at all the individual forums and their individual needs at the moment. There has been a lot of activity on a few forums that have brought to our attention certain issues which we need to think about and address. This takes consultation and time, so please bear with us, and in the meantime if you have any more concerns or questions then do let me know.

I hope to get this issue covered in our consultations over the coming weeks. I'll report back as soon as I have something concrete.