Fair Work First guidance

Fair Work First Criteria: What It Means In Practice

In considering how each of the criteria can be applied, employers should take account of their organisation's context. This will include the type of organisation, its size, sector, and location, as well as how much progress has already been made in adopting fairer work practices. The approach should be progressive, relevant and proportionate.

Payment of at least the real Living Wage

What this means

The Scottish Government promotes payment of the real Living Wage as the minimum rate for everyone in paid work; this is distinct from the statutory National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage which are set by the UK Government. The real Living Wage is a voluntary hourly pay rate based on what families need for an acceptable living standard in the UK. The rate is calculated by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the independent Living Wage Commission; it is reviewed annually to reflect the cost of living, and the rate is announced each November. Building on the strength of the real Living Wage movement, the Scottish Living Hours Accreditation Scheme recognises that in addition to payment of the real Living Wage, the number and frequency work hours are critical to tackling in-work poverty. Businesses looking for certification must meet three criteria for accreditation; payment of the real Living Wage, providing a contract reflecting accurate hours worked and a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours a week (unless the worker requests otherwise) and ensure at least 4 weeks' notice of shifts and guaranteed payment if shifts are cancelled within this period.

Payment of the real Living Wage should not be used to limit pay rates, and where sector bargained rates have been agreed these should be applied provided they are not below the real Living Wage.

Outcomes

Enabling people to earn a decent income will help them to have a decent standard of living and is the best way of tackling poverty. Low wages are a prime cause of in-work poverty, along with the increased use of zero-hours contracts and other precarious practices.

Research from the Living Wage Foundation shows that 93% of Living Wage Businesses have benefited since accrediting. 86% of their respondents said it has improved the reputation of their organisation and 75% said it has increased motivation and retention rates of employees. They also reported a 25% drop in absenteeism. Paying the real Living Wage can help businesses attract new workers and skills: the Living Wage Foundation also reported that 93% of students want to work for employers who pay at least the real Living Wage. Currently, two-thirds of workers earning below the real Living Wage are women – by paying the real Living Wage an organisation can reduce their pay gap significantly.

Payment of the real Living Wage can make a material difference to workers and their families, particularly during the cost of living crisis by enabling them to access greater opportunities, with less need for worry about affordability. This is especially so for women who make up the majority of workers earning below the real Living Wage^[1]. It can also contribute to narrowing the pay gaps in the labour market, including gender, disability and ethnicity pay gaps.

Real Living Wage conditionality in public sector grants

• In general, a grant recipient must demonstrate it is paying at least the real Living Wage before it can access a grant.
• All UK-based staff aged 16 and over, including apprentices, who are directly employed by the grant recipient, must be paid at least the real Living Wage; and any UK-based workers who are not directly employed but are directly engaged in delivering the grant-funded activity, whether they be sub-contractors or agency staff, must also be paid at least the real Living Wage.
• The Scottish Government or other relevant funder may apply limited exceptions to provide funding to organisations who cannot pay at least the real Living Wage in order that the measure is proportionate.
• The real Living Wage conditionality will be confined to workers based in the UK, as the concept of real Living Wage is based around the minimum wage necessary for an acceptable standard of living in the UK

Good practice examples

• Having an agreed pay structure which means the whole workforce is paid at least the real Living Wage;
• The organisation is recognised as a Living Wage Accredited Employer or an Recognised Service Provider;
• Applying the pay rates collectively bargained between the relevant employer and trade union negotiating body, provided it is not lower than the real Living Wage rate;
• The employer pays apprentices at least the real Living Wage rate throughout their apprenticeship.
• The organisation is part of a local partnership working towards Living Wage Place recognition.
• The employer is actively reviewing the pay structures and developing an incremental plan for paying all staff at least the real Living Wage.

Note: those involved in public procurements should also refer to the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014: statutory guidance and Best Practice Guidance to understand, how to consider Fair Work First criteria, including payment of at least the real Living Wage, as part of their public procurement exercises, where it is relevant and proportionate to do so.

Appropriate channels for effective workers' voice, such as trade union recognition

What This Means

Effective voice is much more than having a communication channel available within an organisation. It requires a safe environment where dialogue and challenge are central to the organisational culture and are dealt with constructively; and where worker views are sought out, listened to and acted upon, and can make a difference. Effective voice requires workers, their representatives and employers to work in partnership to make sure the right decisions are made to ensure workers are treated fairly and equitably. The co-determination of working practices is key to delivering all of the dimensions of Fair Work effectively.

The CIPD reported that while having a voice at work can make a fundamental difference to people's working lives, not all forms of voice are being used equally. Individual voice channels include those that enable workers' voices to be listened to individually, rather than incorporated into a group/collective perspective. This form of voice recognises that sometimes individuals have legitimate concerns or issues they wish to talk about that may or may not be directly related to improving the functioning of the organisation. Individual channels, whilst very important, still heavily dominate in UK workplaces and there is a missed opportunity to use a collective voice to improve working relationships. Collective channels, that use union and/or non-union representatives, provide a collective voice that can complement and reinforce individual channels.

Outcomes

Effective voice channels improve information sharing and problem solving, encourage innovation, support cross-learning and can resolve conflict. Individual voice channels can contribute to building a positive workplace culture, connecting people to the organisation, and generating powerful insight to improve performance. Effective voice through trade unions can lead to effective collectively bargained policy in relation to pay, working time, holiday arrangements, training, health and safety and flexible working that delivers positive outcomes for workers and for employers. While recognising that systems of collective bargaining differ widely internationally, there is evidence^[2] that countries with higher rates of trade union membership and collective bargaining coverage experience high employment rates, strong productivity growth and rate well on international indices of competitiveness and innovation.

Effective voice conditionality in public sector grants

• All organisations with a workforce must be able to demonstrate, before they can access a grant, that all workers employed within that organisation have access to effective voice channel(s), including agency workers.
• Voice exists at both collective and individual levels and organisations will be expected to show how genuine and effective voice is evidenced.

The Scottish Government or other relevant funder may apply flexibility to recognise the different forms of voice that are appropriate for different organisations.

Good practice examples

Organisations that are strong on voice will typically promote a strong culture of openness and transparency and encourage acceptance of different viewpoints, thus supporting dignity in the workplace and eliminating workplace bullying, abuse and harassment. Issues and disputes will have clear routes for resolution at both individual and collective levels, and will be dealt with fairly in in a timely and constructive manner, giving confidence that, whatever the outcome, fair processes have supported fair resolution. A range of voice channels will exist, promoting voice both individually and collectively, and drawing on workers' experience when considering organisational policy and practice, thus ensuring any barriers faced, particularly by minority groups, are addressed. Some best practice examples are outlined below, however these are not exhaustive as it is recognised that voice is becoming more innovative as the world of work advances.

Collective voice channels

• Providing access to trade unions and making workers aware that they can join a union of their choice.
• Involving trade union/worker representatives in key governance and decision-making structures.
• Recognising trade unions for the purpose of collective bargaining and encouraging membership, where this is the workforce's preferred route, and providing appropriate facility time for supporting regular engagement between union/s and members.
• Constructive dialogue between the employer, workers and where appropriate a relevant trade union/s to address workplace issues or disputes, e.g. absence management, grievance, health & safety.

Individual voice channels

• Regular surveys are carried out to understand worker views, including how well they feel effective voice is facilitated in the organisation, and are involved in agreeing and progressing improvement action.
• Formal and informal arrangements are in place through which meaningful individual and collective dialogue take place, including one-to-ones between workers and management, appraisal/feedback processes, team/organisation meetings.
• Appropriate collective consultation and a clear route for resolving issues at both individual and collective levels, such as through a grievance or collective disputes procedure.
• The organisation promotes a strong culture of openness and transparency and encourages acceptance of different viewpoints.

Investment in workforce development

What This Means

Effective workforce development involves employers providing opportunities for their staff at all levels of the organisation and should be a shared responsibility and shared commitment between the employer and workers. Everyone should be able to engage in lifelong learning.

Outcomes

Organisations that invest in the skills of their workforce can generally expect their workers to add more value, provide a better service, achieve higher levels of productivity and be more resilient and responsive to change.

Talent management is crucial, even when labour markets are in flux. Talented job seekers are more likely to apply for roles in organisations that are committed to developing their people for current and future roles. Fair Work should therefore be built into an employer's recruitment and retention processes.

Investment in workforce development can also build a more engaged and fulfilled staff; and equal access to training is important in advancing equality at work and closing pay gaps. When people can continue to learn and develop, and use their skills and talents to add value, they gain a greater sense of control over their work and scope to make a difference. This helps build their confidence and self-belief, improving individual and organisational wellbeing.

Good practice examples

• Learning & development is integrated in the organisation's strategic planning and workers and management jointly identify development needs and priorities, ensuring both individual and organisational needs are met.
• Regular equality and diversity training is provided for all staff.
• Learning & development opportunities are provided, and regularly reviewed, to help build the organisation's resilience and responsiveness to change.
• Managers have development discussions with individuals and teams and prioritise this as part of operational activity.
• Workforce Development Plans and Succession Management Plans are in place.
• Formal and informal learning is offered across the workforce, relating to people's particular role and wider development.
• The organisation is committed to providing apprenticeships.
• The organisation is committed to supporting the Young Person's Guarantee.
• Staff are supported to keep their professional qualifications up-to-date.
• The organisation has an appropriate charter mark achievement such as Investment in People or EFQM.
• The organisation invests in and utilises the skills and knowledge of union equality, learning and other workplace representatives and resources.
• Constructive engagement with union learning reps and Scottish Union Learning activities.
• Carbon literacy training is provided for all staff.

No inappropriate use of zero-hours contracts

What this means

Although there is no legal definition of a zero-hours contract, in the context of Fair Work, such a contract is one which does not guarantee any work to the individual and does not set out a minimum number of hours (whether ongoing or for a set period).

An employer is likely to be using a zero-hours contract inappropriately if:

• it offers a worker a regular pattern of work or regular number of hours but offer only a casual/zero-hours contract;
• a worker has had no say in the zero-hours contract and actually wants a contract of employment guaranteeing a minimum number of hours;
• it puts pressure on a worker to accept the terms of a zero-hours contract (where challenged) in order to keep their job;
• there is an expectation that workers will accept all hours offered but no reciprocal expectation that the employer will guarantee hours of work.

It is only right that workers are in jobs that can provide secure, consistent contracts and pay, at least, a real Living Wage. However, in addition to payment of the real Living Wage, the number and frequency work hours is important. That is why The Scottish Living Hours Accreditation Scheme has been launched, which recognises that in addition to payment of the real Living Wage, the number and frequency work hours are critical to tackling in-work poverty.

Those employers using zero-hours contracts should be able to credibly explain their exceptional circumstance which leads to them using such contracts and the steps they are taking to review their business model to eliminate these circumstances.

Outcomes

All workers should be able to plan for their work and life, to know when and for how long they will be required to work, and how much they can expect to earn from week to week. This is key to reducing in-work poverty, which disproportionately affects women. It can also alleviate uncertainty, anxiety and stress, helping to support workers' positive mental health and wellbeing.

As well as being the best option for individuals, the use of secure contracts can benefit the employer. For example, the employer is likely to be regarded as being fair and an employer of choice, which can help with recruitment and retention. Equally, a worker who has a secure contract is likely to be more committed to the organisation and its objectives, which can boost their motivation and productivity.

Good practice examples

• All staff are employed on open-ended or fixed term contracts with confirmed hours and work pattern.
• All staff have a contract which accurately reflects the hours worked, guarantees a fair minimum number of hours per week and does not involve compulsory overtime.
• Staff get reasonable notice of shifts – at least 4 weeks ahead of time, and are paid for cancelled shifts within this period.
• Core and flexible staff resources are reviewed at least annually to determine if any staff on a zero-hours or minimum-hours contract can be moved to a permanent or fixed-term contract with a fixed number of hours and/or a regular pattern.
• Zero-hours contracts are not used to the detriment of workers with protected characteristics and where this is happening, the organisation is taking remedial action.
• Zero-hours contracts are not used to fill actual longer-term vacancies.
• There is a clear, published policy and process to enable someone to request a move from a zero-hour contract with guaranteed and set hours.
• Gained or working to gain Living Hours Accreditation.

Action to tackle the gender pay gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace

What this means

Fair Work expects employers to go beyond their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010, enhancing the protections for workers discriminated on the basis of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, and, sexual orientation.

Tackling labour market inequalities is not only necessary for creating a fairer and more equal society, it can also help boost Scotland's economic performance.

Gender

The gender pay gap exists because women earn significantly less than men over their careers. A main driver of the gender pay gap is stereotyping which from an early age drives occupational segregation that moves women especially, into industrial sectors dominated by lower pay and jobs that are regarded as 'women's work' and under-valued, that is, the five C's: catering, cleaning, cashiering, clerical, and caring. As women are still regarded as the primary care giver, their work choices can be limited to typically lower-paid and part-time roles. This is especially true when women return to work following pregnancy and maternity. Women can also be living through difficult personal circumstances which could include, for example, experiencing domestic abuse (or other forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)), or be moving on from commercial sexual exploitation. This can limit women's opportunities to progress in the same way men can, which dilutes diversity at senior management levels. More generally, employment opportunities can be blocked by a lack of access to quality, fair paid and flexible work which accommodates caring and health commitments such as menopause support; by public transport systems that are inaccessible, irregular (especially in rural areas), and often unsafe (which impact on women especially who are the majority of users of public transport); by unchecked workplace sexual harassment and by recruitment processes that fail to take into account, understand, and appreciate someone's cultural, language or communication needs.

The Close your pay gap toolkit provides a range of guidance and advice to help employers calculate their gender pay gap and identify actions to reduce it.

Racialised minorities

Employment can play a major part in addressing racial inequality. Scottish Government's Anti-Racist Employment Strategy is a call for action and a guide to address the issues and disadvantage experienced by people from racialised minorities in the labour market in Scotland, particularly disparities across employment rates and pay outcomes. The gap in employment rate for the minority ethnic population in Scotland is consistently and persistently high. Through fair working practice, racialised minorities will be able to access and sustain employment commensurate with their skills, experience and/or employment goals and in working environments that are diverse and inclusive.

Employers should use the Minority Ethnic Recruitment Toolkit to improve the diversity of their workforce by recruiting more people from minority ethnic backgrounds as well as the Strategy's Annexes to consider a range of practice examples to addressing racial inequality in the workplace.

Disability

Disabled people experience some of the most persistent issues around discrimination and a lack of access to opportunity, and the disability employment gap remains the largest gap for any equality group on the labour market. We need to ensure our workplaces are designed and operating in ways that break down physical and other barriers and exclude disabled people, and instead create opportunities and open and welcoming workplaces. The Fair Work Action plan takes forward our commitment to at least halve the disability employment gap by 2038.

Information about employment issues for disabled people is available from for example Inclusion Scotland through We Can Work and from Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE).

Flexible working options are also of huge importance in supporting progression in employment for all of these groups, and you may wish to refer to the advice in family friendly and flexible working practices criteria section of this guidance for examples of good practices, and the benefits to employers and workers in adopting such practices.

Outcomes

By taking action to reduce gender, disabled and race pay gaps and to widen and improve diversity and inclusion in their organisation, an employer can tap into a rich source of available talent and potential. This makes good business sense and enables people to build a career now and for the future. It can also highlight current practice and areas for change and intervention, helping to create a culture of equality and diversity in the workplace and benefiting workers and employers alike, such as:

For employers

• Increasing diversity and the gender balance in leadership roles leads to better decision making, improved performance and higher profitability across the organisation.
• Positive relationships and diverse teams can generate creativity, innovation, motivation, and loyalty, helping to improve productivity, profits and business growth.
• Workforce diversity helps organisations to better understand and meet the needs of a diverse customer base; this can give them a competitive advantage in attracting a wider pool of customers who see themselves reflected in the workforce composition.

For workers

• Simple improvements to the workplace environment and practice convey positive messages about the organisational culture employers wish to create, and help ensure workers feel supported and valued.
• Workers' mental health and wellbeing can improve if their employer introduces practices that support a good work-life balance and systems to tackle bullying and harassment which can help reduce absenteeism and attrition.
• The importance and value of diversity and inclusion can be improved through equality and diversity training and other positive action focusing on increasing real awareness and understanding.

Good practice examples

• Recruitment, retention and promotion processes prevent bias and barriers, for example, 'blind' recruitment; providing additional support/adjustments at application and interview stages; diversity in interview panels; and exit interviews are used to understand why a person is leaving.
• Workplace adjustments are in place and made for disabled staff or those with long term health conditions who need it. Additional support for adjustments are accessed through Access to Work.
• Flexible working - which could be a reasonable adjustment to some - is encouraged across the organisation from day one of employment, subject to business need.
• Workers have opportunities to influence the organisation's approach to workplace equality, including by sharing their own experiences.
• The organisation gathers data to understand its workforce diversity and has a plan in place to address under-representation.
• Governance structures are gender balanced and the organisation is working to ensure parity for racialised minorities, disabled, young people and workers over 50 years.
• Enhanced maternity, parental and adoption leave and pay are available for all staff, and staff are supported to return to work through keep in touch days and refresher courses.
• A private, healthy and safe environment is provided for breastfeeding mothers to express and store milk. Health & Safety Executive
• Everyone has equal access to appropriate learning & development opportunities.
• All staff have opportunities to discuss their support needs with management.
• There are clear career pathways for women, with support for those returning to work after maternity or a career break and to help minority ethnic, disabled and workers over 50 years to progress.
• The organisation is a recognised Carer Positive employer.
• Employers are able to provide safe spaces for workers to express their concerns and raise issues and where workers are confident that their concerns are dealt with appropriately by trained personnel.
• Policies are in place that align with Equally Safe, Scotland's strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls (VAWG).
• Staff and policies recognise Commercial Sexual Exploitation as a form of VAWG and support the policy principles, applying these to relevant policy and practice.
• The organisation gains Equally Safe at Work accreditation to prevent workplace sexual harassment.
• Employers promote and support mentally healthy workplaces where mental health and wellbeing is meaningfully discussed and where stigma and discrimination is addressed.
• The organisation provides support to women experiencing menopause in the workplace. Information is available from NHS Inform and Close the Gap.
• The organisation has a safety policy for workers who finish work outside of public transport hours to enable them to get home safely.

Offer flexible and family friendly working practices for all workers from day one of employment

What this means

Flexible working and family friendly working practices take many forms including, but not limited to, part-time work and job share, flexitime, compressed hours, term-time, staggered hours, and working remotely and from home^[3]. Flexible working can also be a reasonable adjustment for disabled workers or those who have a long-term health condition. It is an important aspect of Fair Work and recognises that being able to balance work with other commitments enables workers to participate and contribute more fully and productively in the workplace whilst protecting their wellbeing and improving job satisfaction.

Genuine flexibility helps to make work possible for people who might otherwise be unable to access, re-enter and sustain employment; creates more diverse and inclusive workplaces, and provides greater opportunity and security for workers. Flexible working will vary from employer to employer and not all jobs in all sectors or within an organisation will lend themselves to the same type or level of flexibility; equally, workers' needs will vary. There is no one-size-fits-all approach and flexible working practices need to work for the individual, the team and the employer.

Flexible working should be adopted as a positive practice and never used to weaken contractual terms or impose new unwanted working practices. When considering introducing new ways of working employers should always consult with workers, and where present trade union or other worker representatives, to ensure both the worker's and employer's perspectives are properly considered, and any unintended consequences are avoided. The needs of employers and workers are likely to change over time and regular review of policy and practice will ensure appropriate provision is in place.

Outcomes

For employers

Employers who offer flexible and family friendly working practices attract diverse talent, have happier, more engaged workers and increased productivity^[4]. Sixty-seven percent of senior Scottish business leaders who offer flexible working say it has a positive impact on productivity; 70% say it helps worker loyalty and 66% noted reduced sickness and absenteeism^[5]. It also helps minimise the loss of valued, skilled workers and the resulting recruitment and upskilling challenges. Offering flexibility allows employers to proactively support workplace equality and tap into an under-utilised talent pool which can help them be competitive, improve their reputation, and attract top new talent and customers^[6].

A range of resources to support employers to adopt flexible working is available, including through Flexibility Works, the Enterprise Agencies and CIPD. Timewise also have guidance for line managers and employees, as well as how to hire flexibly.

For workers

People who can access flexible and family friendly working practices are better able to harmonise their work and life commitments. This can help them feel more enthusiastic and fulfilled and enable them to develop their skills^[7]; it is good for mental health and overall wellbeing. Flexibility in hours and location can be invaluable for those with caring commitments or preparing for retirement; and people balancing multiple roles or interests. It is of particular benefit to disabled people and those with long term health conditions to who may need additional time or support to ready for or get to work, or who need additional breaks and/ or shorter working days at times. It is also of particular benefit to women experiencing menstrual issues or menopause while at work. As women are often the primary carer in a household flexibility and enhancing parental leave and pay provision can help support women to fully participate in employment and aid their career progression; it can also increase opportunities for workers to share caring responsibilities more evenly by, for example, utilising shared parental leave.

Good practice examples

• Organisational policies and practice are in place to support flexible and family working, developed collaboratively by the employer, workers, where present, trade union or other worker representative, in line with legal requirements in terms of reasonable adjustments, and are regularly reviewed.
• Jobs are designed around business outcomes, not based on fixed locations or times to provide flexibility.
• Flexible working and family friendly policies are highlighted in job adverts.
• Employers and workers have constructive conversations about requests for flexibility. Trial periods or pilots can be used to test workable solutions for the individual, team and employer.
• Managers get appropriate training and support to enable them to effectively manage individuals who work flexibly.
• Flexible and family friendly options are available at all levels in the organisation and for all staff – not just women or mothers, and to encourage partners to share caring responsibilities
• Flexible working can be offered as a temporary arrangement to accommodate particular circumstances with review points agreed at the outset by the employer and the worker.
• Learning and development is arranged to accommodate different flexible working arrangements and, where practicable, technology is used to facilitate access.
• Enhanced provision is available to support workers with families, such as more tailored maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave and pay.
• Accessible systems and protocols, such as IT equipment and digital diaries, are used to facilitate effective work practices, enabling remote workers to participate alongside their site-based colleagues.
• Meetings are arranged at times that enable workers to attend (in person, by phone or virtually) so everyone can contribute and feel included.
• Effective use of flexible and family friendly practice is modelled from the top down.
• Employers develop and maintain a home and other remote working policy with consideration given for workers with protected characteristics and suitable provision to support workers' mental health and overall wellbeing.
• Working from home and other remote working is not monitored by invasive worker monitoring software.
• Employers, workers and, where present, union or other worker representative, collaborate to agree an approach to flexible and out-of-hours working, with clear boundaries between work and non-work time - enabling workers to disconnect outside working hours.
• Employers with international connections provide flexibility on hours to manage time differences.

Oppose the use of fire and rehire practice

What this means

There is no legal definition of Fire and Rehire practices. 'Fire and rehire' is the terminology currently most used to describe the practice of 'dismissal and re-engagement'. It is described by ACAS as one option that may be available to an employer seeking to effect changes to employees' contractual terms; it involves dismissing employees and immediately re-engaging them on a new contract with new terms, with the new terms issued to commence on the day following the termination date of the current contract, in circumstances where the employees' agreement to the changes has not been obtained. The term is also used to refer to employers holding out the prospect of dismissal and re-engagement to employees or their representatives during negotiations about changing terms and conditions.

We recognise that the vast majority of employers consult and reach agreement when they have to consider making changes to contracts and will only consider using fire and rehire practice as an exceptional and pressing business necessity.

However, whilst fire and rehire practice may not in all circumstances be contrary to employment legislation, the Scottish Government's position is that such practice does not align with the principles and expected practice of Fair Work.

Therefore, an employer wishing to access public sector grants or other funding or to deliver a public contract in Scotland will be expected to commit to not using fire and rehire practice; and this will be considered as part of the award decision and form a condition for the delivery of the grant or public contract. It would then be monitored appropriately within the relevant contract or grant management arrangements. In addition, if an employer subsequently uses fire and rehire practice during the life of a grant, the continuation of the grant may be reconsidered and this may also be taken into account in the consideration of any future grant funding requests, where relevant and proportionate.

Scottish Ministers have written to chief officers of public sector organisations to advise them that this new criterion has been introduced and that they should apply it along with the other Fair Work First criteria. Further guidance on the application of Fair Work First criteria in grants, other funding and contracts is contained in the 'How the guidance should be used' section of this guidance.

What is Fire and Rehire

An employer is likely to be using fire and rehire practice if they use dismissal and re-engagement for the purpose of diminishing terms and conditions as described above. Employers should not use the threat of dismissal and/or redundancy in order to pressurise staff into accepting changes to terms and conditions.

The benefits of an alternative approach

Under Fair Work principles and the good practice adopted by organisations of all sizes across Scotland, an employer should - from the start of the process - ensure that workers' voice is fully considered through full and meaningful consultation, and including the relevant union/s if present, or other appropriate worker' representative. The employer should also fully consider all alternatives, drawing on support available from the Scottish Government and its agencies, ACAS, CIPD and other relevant parties.

Where an employer engages constructively with staff to reach voluntary agreement on contractual changes, there are benefits to both employees and the employer, such as:

For employers:

• In avoiding a dismissal and re-engaging process, the employer can retain skills, motivated staff and protect positive relationships with staff and unions.
• They can reduce risk of employment-related litigation and the significant legal and potential damages costs this could bring, along with the time, resource and potential disruption of engaging with the process.
• They can avoid the considerable time and cost associated with replacing personnel who do not accept the new terms and any subsequent training.

For employees:

• They can continue to be employed under terms and conditions they have agreed to, giving them the security of employment and earnings.
• They have a voice in the workplace and feel engaged in decision-making.
• They have an ongoing sense of respect, security and fulfilment which contributes to their overall wellbeing.