In-person Conference

Dismissal: Shaping New Developments into Solution-Focused Answers for Employers in Scotland

Solution-Focused, Court-Proven, Answers to 6 of the Thorniest Dismissal Questions Facing Scottish Employers: Directly from 7 Top-Rated Lawyers

Bookings have now closed for this conference

  • Live attendance at InterContinental The George, Edinburgh on 02/10/2024
  • Information you won't find elsewhere

    Our experts talk under Chatham House Rule, so you get the best, most readily usable information they wouldn't share elsewhere

Programme

  1. 09:30

    Registration and coffee

  2. 10:00

    Chair's Introduction

    Dismissal: Shaping new developments into solution-focused answers for employers in Scotland

    Chaired by David Walker of Morton Fraser MacRoberts

    David is "sharp, pragmatic and wise" - "one of Scotland's most experienced employment lawyers." His "reputation, especially for tribunal representation, is enviable."

  3. 10:15

    Off-the-Record Allegations

    How should you handle 'off the record' allegations from employees who explicitly state they 'want to make HR aware' but 'don't feel comfortable' with action being taken because of a power imbalance?

    Answered by Gillian MacLellan of CMS

    Gillian is "solution-driven and knows how to make the law work for her HR clients." She is praised for her "fantastic service, her response times and commercially savvy advice.”

  4. 10:55

    Mental Health

    How do you tackle an ongoing performance situation where mental health (1) appears to be a contributing factor and (2) turns into an actual factor because of the process you set in motion?

    Answered by Dawn Dickson of Anderson Strathern

    Dawn represents employers in tribunal claims for unfair dismissal, breach of contract and discrimination. “She is exceptionally knowledgeable and a second-to-none advocate.”

  5. 11:35

    Morning coffee

  6. 11:55

    Protected conversations

    How do you mitigate the risks of using protected conversations for problem employees when the working relationship has broken down, even though the employee may not recognize this, supported by practical examples?

    Answered by Noele McClelland of Thorntons

    Noele is "a problem-solver”, superb at unfair dismissal proceedings. She “really understands the practical, real-life application of employment law within an organisation."

  7. 12:35

    Long-term sickness

    How do you de-risk capability dismissals in long-term sickness cases where (1) OH is sitting on the fence, but a return to work seems unrealistic, and (2) the employee insists on returning but repeatedly and quickly falls sick again?

    Answered by Morag Hutchison of Shepherd and Wedderburn

    Morag is “a force to be reckoned with in employment law.” “She cuts to the chase, provides direct, clear advice and makes any challenge the client is dealing with seem easy to manage.”

  8. 13:15

    Lunch

  9. 14:00

    Neurodiversity

    How do you manage a potentially neurodivergent colleague who refuses to seek help or accept amended duties, staying below absence triggers but with no prospects of improvement in sight?

    Answered by David Ogilvy of Turcan Connell

    David has a "stunning reputation for employment law," bringing gravitas and strategic insight from years of experience as a Chairman of the Employment Tribunal.

  10. 14:40

    Sexual harassment

    In light of new legislation, when does banter become sexual harassment, how do you protect employees, and how do you investigate allegations that took place outside the workplace?

    Answered by Lynne Marr of Brodies

    Lynne offers particular strength in handling complex harassment and discrimination cases. “She is brilliant: commercial and responsive, understanding business and risk appetite.”

  11. 15:20

    Over-run

  12. 16:00

    Close of conference