Bartlett Law » Penelope Ryder-Lewis

Mediation can offer a final solution to some disputes

Bartlett Law — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:15:36 +0000

I recently wrote about a client of mine whose accountant resigned. She claimed she was constructively dismissed. The client (we’ll call him Fred) rang me last week. He now needs advice on the unjustified dismissal personal grievance raised by the [...]

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Act in good time to avoid constructive dismissal claims

Bartlett Law — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:10:33 +0000

I sat down to write this column about an employment issue raised by a book group member. A call interrupted me, asking for urgent help. The client (we’ll call him Fred) has a warehouse. That morning, his accountant had refused to [...]

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Records of settlement negate future legal claims

Bartlett Law — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:03:59 +0000

It is the start of a new year for me and the Book Group. At our latest meeting, while we welcomed in the New Year with champagne, Cyril told us he is considering a job change. He’s in a demanding [...]

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Employee information confidential

Bartlett Law — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:02:23 +0000

Checking out possible new employees can be confusing. Employment and privacy laws put limits on what an employer can do. An employer who goes outside those limits may face action under the Privacy Act, and even be liable if they [...]

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Dealing with troublemakers who cut up rough on the job

Bartlett Law — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:54:33 +0000

There is no law that says we have to like our work colleagues, but it certainly helps. What we do need is a proper working relationship with them. If someone doesn’t fit in and behaves in a way that annoys [...]

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A uniform and badge did the trick

Bartlett Law — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:22:05 +0000

Traditionally, New Year is when we think about what we achieved last year and resolve to do better next year. I find that this brings clients into my law practice with new ideas. One client raised an interesting problem. This [...]

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What to do when staff stay away

Bartlett Law — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:18:51 +0000

At this time of year thoughts often turn to how much time we can take for our Christmas holiday. Employees ask for leave, or fill out leave forms, giving the start and finish dates for leave. Employers agree this leave, [...]

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Employment grief averted by detail in job ads, interviews

Bartlett Law — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:08:02 +0000

Every group has its peacemaker – the person who smoothes over differences and tries to get everyone working harmoniously together. My book group is no exception. In our case, it’s Alphonse – a charming Frenchman here for two years as [...]

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The formality of being casual

Bartlett Law — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:41:40 +0000

How much freedom do employers have to employ people as and when they need them? This question came up during our recent Book Group discussion about George Orwell’s 1984. We were talking about the power of the state, and its [...]

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Written warning’s smelly outcome

Bartlett Law — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:32:00 +0000

Cyril, a public servant, hosted our recent book group meeting. He is senior and bright but can be rather pedantic. I was the first there and found Cyril eating his dinner. He had been delayed at work. His manager had [...]

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