Workplace investigations can be time consuming and distracting from normal business. Employers can find the process daunting or may believe an investigation is unnecessary in the particular circumstances. However, if an investigation is not carried out or handled badly the consequences can include employment tribunal and claims of unfair dismissal. Additionally, the integrity of the workplace procedures will be undermined.
The importance of even handed and fair workplace investigations has been highlighted by recent employment law where a dismissal for gross misconduct was ruled as unfair due to a failure to carry out a proper investigation: Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust v Roldan [2010] EWCA Civ 522 www.employmentcasesupdate.co.uk
