Associate Handbook 2018

Any request should be put in writing and given to the Associates Managers or the Human Resources Department for consideration.

6.23

Any Other Absence

All other absences will be considered in light of the circumstances and must be agreed in advance with Associates.

7

ASSOCIATE RELATIONS

7.1

Disciplinary Policy and Procedure

A high standard of performance and conduct is expected of all Associates by both the Company and its clients. When the conduct or performance of an Associate falls below the standard expected it may be necessary for the Company to take formal action under the disciplinary procedure. The Company may commence disciplinary action at any stage of the procedure depending on the seriousness of the offence or issue. In other words, Associates are not guaranteed to receive a warning before any proposed dismissal. The objective of the disciplinary procedure is to encourage improvement in an Associate’s conduct, attendance and/or job performance and ensure fair, consistent treatment for all Associates in the event of disciplinary action. Implementation of the formal disciplinary procedure should be rare and will be used only where it is clearly necessary. There are three types of behaviour where disciplinary action may be necessary:

Poor Performance or Inefficiency

Failure to achieve or maintain an acceptable level of performance;

Misconduct

Breach of expected standards of conduct e.g. timekeeping, attendance, inappropriate behaviour towards or in front of colleagues or clients.

Gross Misconduct

Serious breach of rules and/or procedures, which leads to a breakdown of trust and confidence between the Company and the Associate. Examples of gross misconduct include, but are not limited to the following, and dismissal also applies to offences of similar gravity;

Drug Abuse / Aggressive / abusive / drunken behaviour.

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Dishonesty, theft or malicious damage to Company property.

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Fighting or physical assault.

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 Outright refusal to obey the reasonable instructions of a Supervisor/Manager.

Intentional falsification of expenditure reports/fraud.

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 Behaviour likely to damage the name of the Company or be otherwise detrimental to the business of the Company.