The company I work for is being taken over. What are my rights? (2024)

23 Nov, 2022

An employee who is consistently underperforming can have a detrimental effect on an employer’s business. Not only will poor performance affect an individual’s productivity, it can undermine team morale and the productivity of the organisation, as well as sucking up management time and resources. Unfortunately, in many circ*mstances, an employer is left with no choice but to dismiss an employee for poor performance. Often, performance issues are allowed to run on for far too long because managers are not confident about dealing with such issues, so they delay having a difficult conversation. However, this dread is perhaps misplaced. Depending on how long your employee has been employed for, if you follow the correct procedures, dealing with poor performance at work shouldn’t be too difficult. The key is to give yourself enough time to carry out the process properly. An employer will be well protected against a possible legal claim from the employee if they follow the correct procedure. This means understanding the steps which must be gone through, and carrying them out appropriately without rushing. Work on improvement rather than dismissal A successful performance management process would see the employee improve and become a useful member of the team. It is crucial to give the individual enough time and support to allow this to happen. In reality however, the outcome is often a failure to improve, leaving the employer with no option but to dismiss. How long has your employee been employed? If your employee has been employed for two years or more, they will be protected against unfair dismissal and will be able to bring a claim in the employment tribunal if that right is breached. A dismissal will be unfair if the employer fails to follow the correct procedure in carrying it out. Employees with less than two years’ employment cannot generally bring a claim for unfair dismissal, so the procedure is slightly different. Employees with less than two years employment Even if you are dismissing an employee for poor performance within the first two years of their employment, it is still good practice to follow a reasonable procedure before dismissal. Remedying poor performance There are a number of basic elements to any fair process when it comes to performance management, which all employees must strive to adhere to. In order to prevent employee poor performance, it’s sensible to enforce a probation period in order to assess new employees. A probationary period of between three and six months provides a good opportunity to review performance and take any appropriate action if necessary. The employee must understand what is expected of them, and the standards they are expected to meet must be clearly spelled out. If an employee is given targets, these should be realistic and based on their skills and experience. Also, employees should be given a realistic time-frame to achieve any targets and should understand any deadlines the employer is putting in place. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that all employees are given adequate support to achieve their targets and/or the standards expected of them and this will encompass proper training. A comprehensive induction processes for new employees can save a multitude of problems at a later stage. If performance is felt to be lacking, then an employer needs to explain what needs to change in order to meet the required standard of performance – for example, some individuals may need extra training or support. Underlying reasons for poor performance Employers should take note of the fact that there may be an underlying reason for poor performance. An employee may not even be aware themselves that they have additional needs if, for example, they are an undiagnosed dyslexic. If an employee is disabled within the meaning of the law, an employer has an enforceable duty to make reasonable adjustments for them to enable them to do their job. Once any additional support or training is put in place then an individual must be given enough time to prove themselves. Performance reviews should be arranged regularly, and these agreed dates stuck to. It is important to give feedback so that the employee knows whether or not they are improving as required. If dismissal is a potential outcome, then the employee should be warned that this is a possible consequence of a failure to improve. How to proceed if employee’s performance remains poor If, despite best efforts, it seems likely that the employee’s performance is not going to improve, then whether or not to dismiss them will have to be discussed. Firstly, you must check the relevant contract of employment. Is there a term in the contract that sets out the dismissal procedure to be followed and, if so, have you complied with it? If there isn’t, then you have more flexibility. While you don’t strictly need to give any prior warnings of dismissal or a right to appeal (unless it’s provided for in the contract of employment) for employees with less than two years service, it is considered good practice. Make it clear in the termination letter why you have dismissed them and give either appropriate notice or payment in lieu of notice. Employees with 2 years employment or more Employees with at least two years’ service are protected against unfair dismissal. Therefore, in order to dismiss fairly, an employer must: have a fair reason for the dismissal act reasonably in treating that as a reason for dismissal in each case follow a fair (formal) procedure in carrying out that dismissal Reason for dismissal Capability (or more accurately, lack of it) is a potentially fair reason for dismissal, so make it clear that this is the basis upon which you are dismissing in any termination meeting and letter. Gathering evidence Make sure you have evidence of consistent underperformance and all the measures that have been put in place to assist the employee in trying to improve. For example, what training and mentoring did they receive? Did the employee’s manager have an informal meeting with them to try and encourage the employee to improve their performance? Ensure you have documents on file to show that adequate warnings were given to the individual. Notes of any meetings held under the formal procedure must be kept on file. Fair procedure – the formal process The ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures will apply, so make sure you follow its recommendations for a fair procedure. Let the employee know that you are commencing the formal disciplinary process (or capability process if you have a separate process) and give them a copy of it for reference. It is vitally important that the employee is informed of their rights and is allowed to bring a work colleague or trade union representative to all meetings held under the formal procedure. At each stage of the procedure, you should write to the employee and explain that their performance is considered to be below the required standard and why. Make it clear that this letter is part of the formal disciplinary procedure (and which stage it is at) and invite the employee to attend a meeting to discuss it. The employer must also explain what the potential consequences are i.e. a formal warning or dismissal. At any formal meeting, give the employee an opportunity to respond to the issues. You can also collaboratively explore ways to help the employee improve their performance and try to agree some targets and time scales. Keep a written record of the meeting and give a copy of this to the employee. If, following the meeting, a formal warning is given, remember to include the fact that your employee has a right to appeal against the decision. Unfortunately, there will be situations where the employee fails to improve their performance either enough or at all. If, at this stage, you consider the only option is dismissal, you need to invite the employee to a meeting to discuss their dismissal. Explain in writing in advance the purpose of the meeting and the possible outcome, reiterate the performance issues and remind your employee that they have a right to bring someone to the meeting with them. Ideally, the decision to dismiss an employee will be given face to face with reasons identified and explained. Following this, the employee should be given a copy of the decision and reasons for it in writing, along with notifying the employee of their right of appeal. Don’t forget to state whether the employee is being dismissed on notice or with payment in lieu of notice.  If you would like more advice on your legal rights as an employer, or how to properly dismiss an employee for poor performance, please get in touch with one of our employment law specialists who will be happy to guide you further.

The company I work for is being taken over. What are my rights? (2024)

FAQs

What are your rights as an employee if you are overstressed? ›

In California, you may be entitled to protected job leave under state or federal law if your workplace stress impairs your ability to perform your job. This form of stress leave is generally unpaid. However, you may be entitled to paid leave under workers' compensation or temporary disability benefits.

What happens if the company I work for gets sold? ›

In most cases, employees can either transfer with the business and commence employment with the new owner, or their employment will be terminated.

What are some rights in the workplace? ›

Employees have a right to: Not be harassed or discriminated against (treated less favorably) because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history).

What are your rights to discrimination in the workplace? ›

You have the right to work in an environment free of discrimination. You cannot be denied employment, harassed, demoted, terminated, paid less, or treated less favorably because of your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Can I complain to HR about being overworked? ›

If talking to your manager doesn't go well or doesn't provide any relief, then you can take your concerns to HR. “If you're not having luck with your direct manager, or the issue is related to your manager, set up time to discuss with your HR team,” advises Geary.

How much can you claim for stress? ›

Whilst the deduction may fall below the maximum of 35%, claimants can rest assured that any deduction from a successful stress at work compensation claim settlement will never exceed 35%.

What happens to employees after a takeover? ›

If the take-over is by way of a share purchase, your employment will continue as it was before. Although there will be new owners of the business, the identity of your employer will essentially stay the same, and your employment will continue as normal.

Will I lose my job if company sells? ›

What Happens When My Employer Sells My Place of Employment? When a business is sold, there is a technical termination of employment, even if you continue working the same job for the new employer.

What questions to ask when your company is being acquired? ›

Questions to Ask When Your Company Is Being Acquired
  • Will My Position Continue to Exist? ...
  • Is There Another Position Available For You? ...
  • What Severance is Offered For Eliminated Positions? ...
  • Will My Position Be Shared With Anyone Else? ...
  • Will My Role and Duties Change? ...
  • Will the Merger Affect Who I Report to?
Feb 24, 2020

What are the 5 basic human rights? ›

Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.

What is workers rights in simple terms? ›

freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor; effective abolition of child labor; elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation; and. a safe and healthy working environment.

What is an example of unfair treatment at work? ›

Here are just a few examples of unfair treatment at work:

Demoting, transferring, or dismissing an employee without a fair, disciplinary process. Paying women lower wages for doing the same job, because of their sex. Firing or laying off older workers so the company can hire younger, cheaper workers to do their jobs.

What are the 4 main types of discrimination? ›

There are four main types of discrimination.
  • Direct discrimination. This means treating one person worse than another person because of a protected characteristic. ...
  • Indirect discrimination. ...
  • Harassment. ...
  • Victimisation.
Feb 19, 2020

How do you prove workplace discrimination? ›

How to Prove Discrimination in the Workplace
  1. You have been treated unjustly based on one of your protected characteristics. ...
  2. You are qualified, capable and honest and performed your job satisfactorily. ...
  3. Discrimination has negatively affected your job. ...
  4. Job decisions were not objective.

What are the three main types of discrimination in the workplace? ›

Race, Color, and Sex.

What should you not say to HR? ›

What should you not say to HR?
  • The general rule is don't bring your everyday complaints to HR. They're not there to make your job better or easier and they might fire you simply because they don't want to hear it. ...
  • Discrimination. ...
  • Medical needs. ...
  • Pay issues. ...
  • Cooperate with HR if asked, but be smart about it.

What to do when HR is not on your side? ›

When HR is not on your side, you should still file a complaint with them and follow any company protocols. HR is not your enemy, but that does not mean that they will always side with you if there is a workplace conflict. At the end of the day, they are there to look out for the best interests of the company.

What to do if HR is against you? ›

How to file a complaint against HR
  1. File a complaint with HR. ...
  2. Follow company policies. ...
  3. Go to a superior within the company. ...
  4. Reach out to the EEOC (US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) ...
  5. Seek outside legal counsel.
Sep 6, 2022

How do you prove workplace stress? ›

Proving That Stress or Anxiety Is Work-Related
  1. The working conditions must be objectively stressful;
  2. The believable evidence must support a finding that the worker reacted to the conditions as stressful;
  3. The objectively stressful working conditions must be “peculiar” to the particular workplace;
May 7, 2020

Can I claim compensation for stress and anxiety? ›

Yes, you can claim compensation for experiencing stress at work. Your employer is legally required to provide a safe place of work and to protect their employees. This includes from stress and other mental health concerns.

Can you claim compensation for anxiety? ›

There is no set compensation payout that's awarded for a personal injury, including anxiety. Instead, compensation is calculated based on the type of injury and how severe it is, and the impact on the claimant's life. Also taken into account is if the injury has cost you financially.

How do you handle a takeover company? ›

Change Advocacy
  1. Always be positive. ...
  2. Leave the past in the past. ...
  3. Don't speak negatively about the merger to anyone. ...
  4. Give up your turf. ...
  5. Find ways to lead the change. ...
  6. Be aware of aspects of corporate culture (yours, theirs, or the new company's) that form barriers to change. ...
  7. Practice resilience.

What to do after taking over a company? ›

Follow this must-do list during the first few months after an acquisition.
  1. Establish a post-merger integration team. ...
  2. Develop a target operating model. ...
  3. Communicate the plan to key stakeholders. ...
  4. Introduce yourself to customers and suppliers. ...
  5. Focus on your strategy for the business. ...
  6. Leave your door open.

How do you stop a hostile takeover of a company? ›

Defenses against a Hostile Takeover
  1. Poison pill: Making the stocks of the target company less attractive by allowing current shareholders of the target company to purchase new shares at a discount. ...
  2. Crown jewels defense: Selling the most valuable parts of the company in the event of a hostile takeover attempt.
Dec 12, 2022

When a company takes over another company? ›

When one company takes over another entity, and establishes itself as the new owner, the purchase is called an acquisition.

How do you tell if the company you work for is being sold? ›

Look for these signs:
  1. 1) Hyperbole: Get ready for a PR blitz. ...
  2. 2) Cost Controls: You're going lean, so get ready. ...
  3. 3) Sales Pushed: Sales is the only department hiring. ...
  4. 4) New Faces: Your office has visitors, but you don't know who.
Aug 9, 2012

When should you stop working for a company? ›

It may be time to quit your job when you're no longer motivated to complete your daily tasks, feel overworked or burnt out, or want to move beyond your current position into a more advanced one. These are a few signs that it may be time to quit your job and get a better one that more effectively meets your needs.

Is it good for your company to be acquired? ›

An acquisition can help to increase the market share of your company quickly. Even though competition can be challenging, growth through acquisition can be helpful in gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace. The process helps achieves market synergies.

Does acquisition mean layoffs? ›

A merger or acquisition is coming

Layoffs are often a natural outcome of merger and acquisition activity. When two companies come together, there may be overlap in some areas, leading to the decision to eliminate positions. Not every merger leads to layoffs, and in some cases, companies add new jobs when they merge.

What are the three critical questions that must be answered by each company? ›

The 3 Key Questions Drucker Asks You in the Morning Meeting

"Gentlemen, at the end of today's meeting you will want to be able to determine how you are going to answer the following three key questions: What is our business? What will our business be? What should our business be?"

What are the most common human rights violations? ›

Abductions, arbitrary arrests, detentions without trial, political executions, assassinations, and torture often follow. In cases where extreme violations of human rights have occurred, reconciliation and peacebuilding become much more difficult.

What are the 3 basic human rights? ›

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

What are the human rights violations? ›

A human rights violation is the disallowance of the freedom of thought and movement to which all humans legally have a right. While individuals can violate these rights, the leadership or government of civilization most often belittles marginalized persons.

What gives workers rights? ›

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards affecting most full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments.

Which of the following is an employer's responsibility? ›

Answer: Employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace. Employers MUST provide their employees with a workplace that does not have serious hazards and follow all OSHA safety and health standards. Employers must find and correct safety and health problems.

How do you know if you are being treated unfairly at work? ›

Unfair treatment in the workplace can include a range of behaviors by supervisors, managers, and coworkers, including:
  • Bullying.
  • Spreading rumors about an employee.
  • Micro-management.
  • Unwarranted criticism.
  • Excluding an employee from meetings and training opportunities.
Nov 27, 2022

Can I report my boss to HR? ›

Of course you can and you must. If you have a problem with your boss, the HR department can act as a mediator to help resolve the conflict. However, you need to understand that the HR department is not there to protect you. The HR department's sole function is to protect the employer at all costs.

What are 4 examples of unfair discrimination? ›

Unfair discrimination: is dealt with under the Employment Equity Act. Examples of this are – race, gender, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age and disability, etc. Discrimination can be direct or indirect. These disputes go to the Labour Court and the Employment Equity Act applies.

What is unlawful discrimination in the workplace? ›

Under the laws enforced by EEOC, it is illegal to discriminate against someone (applicant or employee) because of that person's race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

What is a protected act? ›

A 'protected act' is: Making a claim or complaint of discrimination (under the Equality Act). Helping someone else to make a claim by giving evidence or information. Making an allegation that you or someone else has breached the Act. Doing anything else in connection with the Act.

What are the 9 grounds of discrimination? ›

The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 ('the Acts') prohibit discrimination in the provision of goods and services, accommodation and education. They cover the nine grounds of gender, marital status, family status, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, and membership of the Traveller community.

What proof do you need for a discrimination lawsuit? ›

Evidence takes several forms. It includes your testimony, which is the very first evidence gathered by EEOC. It also includes written materials such as evaluations, notes by your employer, letters, memos, and the like. You will be asked to provide any documents you may have that relate to your case.

Are discrimination cases hard to win? ›

The chances of winning your discrimination case can vary dramatically depending on the particular circ*mstances you face. When a lot of evidence has accumulated against your employer, such as emails and history of discriminatory remarks in front of multiple witnesses, your chances of winning a lawsuit are higher.

What must an employee successfully prove to win a discrimination case? ›

Ultimately, you are going to need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence, and what that generally means is by 51%, that your employer treated you differently because of a protected characteristic, such as you being a woman or you being African American or a Muslim.

What are 3 examples of direct discrimination? ›

What is direct discrimination?
  • age.
  • disability.
  • gender reassignment.
  • marriage or civil partnership.
  • pregnancy and maternity.
  • race.
  • religion or belief.
  • sex.

What is the most common form of workplace discrimination? ›

The most prevalent forms of discrimination in the workplace seen today are race and national origin. Discrimination based on national origin occurs when a business is opened by persons of one nationality who then discriminate in their hiring practices by only hiring other persons of their own nationality.

What are the protected characteristics at work? ›

As stated on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EOCC) website, these are eight protected characteristics in the United States in the context of employment discrimination: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information.

Can I claim compensation for stress at work? ›

Yes, you can claim compensation for experiencing stress at work. Your employer is legally required to provide a safe place of work and to protect their employees. This includes from stress and other mental health concerns.

How do you prove stress in the workplace? ›

You worked for your employer for at least 6 months. You have a psychiatric condition outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) You can show that the actual circ*mstances of your employment caused your psychiatric condition, by at least 51% or more.

Can you be disciplined for work related stress? ›

As such, it is entirely possible that an employer could pursue disciplinary action against the employee for being incapable of carrying out their job role due to long-term sickness. In doing so, they must follow a fair process before making any decision to take punitive action such as a warning or dismissal.

Can you be fired for being stressed at work? ›

These are matters which can be addressed by your employer. If such investigation shows no good reason for the absence,however, (in other words it is not accepted that you have any stress related illness), your employer might treat the absence as a misconduct issue. This is one of the fair reasons for dismissal.

Is stress and anxiety workers compensation? ›

Workers' compensation is available for physical and psychological injury and disease. An injured worker may be able to receive workers' compensation for a psychological injury such as PTSD, anxiety and depression, if: the worker meets the scheme's definition of worker or deemed worker; and.

How much compensation for anxiety after car accident? ›

There is no set compensation payout that's awarded for a personal injury, including anxiety. Instead, compensation is calculated based on the type of injury and how severe it is, and the impact on the claimant's life. Also taken into account is if the injury has cost you financially.

Are employers responsible for employee stress? ›

Under both California and federal employment laws, workers are protected from undue stress, harassment, negligence and unsafe working environments.

What are two 2 signs of stress in the workplace? ›

mood swings. being withdrawn. loss of motivation, commitment and confidence. increased emotional reactions – being more tearful, sensitive or aggressive.

How do you prove emotional distress? ›

To prove emotional distress, you'll need to be able to prove:
  1. The defendant had a duty to behave reasonably and to not behave outrageously or in an extreme manner likely to cause distress.
  2. The defendant breached that duty by intentionally or recklessly behaving outrageously.
Sep 22, 2022

How do you prove stress? ›

One of the key elements of proving a stress claim is to prove that your employer was aware, or ought to have been aware, that you were becoming unwell. If you have not had any previous stress related absences then you will often need some other evidence to prove that injuries occasioned by stress were foreseeable.

What are 3 consequences of workplace stress? ›

Low morale. Poor motivation. Increased employee complaints. Increased ill-health, accidents and incidents reports.

Is work-related stress a mental illness? ›

Stress is not an illness – it is a state of mind. However, if stress becomes too excessive and prolonged, it can develop into a mental and physical illness. Stress can affect anyone at any level of the business.

Can stress be considered a disability? ›

Debilitating stress or exhaustion caused by an individual's work may qualify for Social Security disability insurance benefits.

What is an example of mental health discrimination at work? ›

Direct Mental Health Discrimination

For instance, an employee may be a top performer, but they suffer from severe anxiety or bipolar disorder. If an employer refuses to give this employee an opportunity for a promotion while others with similar qualifications have, this may be a form of mental health discrimination.

Can you be fired for burnout? ›

Unfortunately, while you can't be fired for burnout, you can be fired for poor job performance. It may feel nerve-wracking, but protecting your job may mean speaking to a manager or human resources professional. They can help you navigate what your options and rights are.

How long can you have off work for mental health? ›

An employee is allowed to take sick days for their mental health, at any given time. If their leave is more than seven days, they must provide a Statement of Fitness. (This is also known as a sick note, fit note, or doctor's note).

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