My wife is manager of a local travel agent?

a member of her staff was sent home from work yesterday because she was unable to carry out her duties, she was due to go on a training course today, but failed to turn up and wont answer her telephone. her father telephoned to apologise on her behalf, and said she was going to the doctor tomorrow, since then my wife has found out that she went to her part time evening job at a local pub. My question is, what can be done about the situation, its quite clear to me that she failed to appear at the traing course because she had been working till 1 am the previous night

As the manager, your wife must be sure to handle this using the correct procedure, or she could find herself in trouble. Firstly, the employee must have received notice of the company's disciplinary procedure, so she can't claim ignorance of it. 'All employers are required by law to set out their dismissal, disciplinary and grievance rules in writing for their employees. Failure to do this or to follow these procedures when dismissing an employee will result in extra compensation for the employee and the dismissal being held as automatically unfair'. Providing this was done, then as a manager, she should be aware of the Company's procedure, but if she feels she could use some advice and support (as may be the case if she hasn't had to deal with disciplinary problems before), she should call her company's HR department. For further help, visit the excellent up-to-date dti website for employers (link below).

Gross misconduct - no question. Instant dismissal for gross misconduct is permissible. Send the employee on gardening leave pending disciplinary proceedings.

If your wife knows roughly the hours this girl works at the pub, it might be an idea for your wife to try and catch her out.Maybe turn up with a group of friends for a drink.If the girl isn't at work the next day, then it's obvious why.Or, if this girl is really not up to her job, I think your wife is within her rights to give this girl her p45.Plenty of other people out there looking for work.

give her a break

So what!!!! if your wife was anything of a manager she would (or should) sit this girl down and get to the bottom of things and not listen to rumours (which might not true) so untill such clarification is obtained i think that any advice given on here should not even be relayed back to your wife

maybe as she was sent home she was upset and she could not face your wife again anyway why are you so bothered is the reason she didn't go on the training day anything to do with you ? was she otherwise engaged dealing with your needs .your wife should watch out

Hi there John-boy, It may be a good idea for your wife to have a talk with this employee when she returns to work. It is not wise to act on hearsay. If your wife has definite evidence against this girl, then that is another issue. May I suggest that your wife contacts A.C.A.S. it is an organisation devoted to preventing and resolving employment disputes. They are good with help and advice. Their website is: www.acas.org.uk and their telephone helpline is:08457 47 47 47. All the best! :o)