INSIGHT
The use of scripts for employee meetings is valuable in ensuring that employment processes are followed and the appropriate safeguards for employees are in place.
However, some recent case law has highlighted the risks associated with the use of pre-prepared scripts for employee meetings. The main lesson from the case law is that scripts should not be too rigid – there must be scope for flexibility and scripts should not lead to a pre-determined outcome.
Some tips for the use of scripts:
- Use scripts to ensure meetings are legally compliant, for example by including formal language regarding pre-termination negotiations or to cover the background to a redundancy consultation.
- Use scripts that provide a framework for meetings but allow space for managers to invite and record employee responses and address employee issues and concerns.
- Ensure that managers understand that scripts are a guide and appreciate the importance of genuine consultation and open-mindedness.
- Document the decision-making process separately, without using pre-scripted language, to showing that conclusions were reached fairly and independently.
We have long and deep experience in dealing with employee relations processes globally, and we would be happy to assist you in preparing for your employee relations meetings.
