A tough time ahead for GPs leading to possible staff upheaval - Sound familiar? Protect your practice…
It has been revealed in a recent Pulse survey that a quarter of GP practices are planning staff redundancies in light of a new contract deal that accountants predict will deliver five-figure cuts in practice profits.
Pulse's survey found while nine out of 10 GP practices are looking at reducing partners' drawings, many are also being forced to look at other options, with 62% considering freezing staff pay, 28% stopping unfunded patient services, 24% making staff redundant and 14% reducing patient appointments.
Undoubtedly, implementing some of these measures, particularly making redundancies, may cause staff upheaval and could if badly handled leave GP Practices exposed to expensive unfair dismissal claims.
GPs and practice managers responsible for staffing issues should tread carefully if considering making staff redundant. If planning redundancies, to minimise your risks, we would urge that you take legal advice at an early stage to ascertain:
- What are your redundancy / restructuring needs? We can help you identify this;
- How to approach the issue of potential redundancies with staff. This can be critical to demonstrating whether a fair process has followed;
- A timeline, from consulting with staff to the dismissal stage. We can help you put together a clear strategy, including providing assistance with the necessary documentation you must send to staff as part of a fair redundancy process.
When making redundancies, having a planned approach and clear communication with staff can minimise the risks and potential liabilities to your practice. It can also minimise the disruption to your continuing workforce and assist you to maintain your levels of practice care.
For further information please contact solicitor Rachael Mongan on 0161 234 8716 or send an email
