Compliance with the Workers’ Rights Act 2019 and main provisions

Speaker

Jessyca Joyekurun

About The Speaker

Join us for an enriching training session led by Jessyca Joyekurun!

With a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Kent, a Postgraduate Diploma in HR from the University of Wales, and an Executive Course from Yale University, Jessyca brings over a decade of expertise in Human Resources, HR outsourcing, and Employment Law Advisory.

Her extensive experience as a Paralegal for various management companies in Mauritius, combined with her advisory work in Mauritius, Tanzania, and Madagascar, equips her with deep insights into employment law and effective procedures.

Upcoming Event

Compliance with the Workers’ Rights Act 2019: Termination, Disciplinary Action, Grievance Procedures, and Equal Opportunity

Course Details

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be equipped with the knowledge to handle employee terminations, grievances, and disciplinary matters in full compliance with the Workers Rights Act.
Enhanced understanding of legal requirements related to redundancy and retirement, ensuring proper adherence to employee entitlements.
Ability to conduct fair and transparent disciplinary hearings, ensuring due process and minimizing legal risks.
Participants will understand how to handle grievances effectively, leading to improved employee relations and workplace harmony.
Increased ability to navigate complex issues such as wrongful termination, redundancy disputes, and retirement-related claims.
Familiarity with best practices for handling terminations and exit processes while maintaining a positive company culture.

Target Audience

HR Managers and Officers
Employee Relations Specialists
Line Managers and Supervisors
Compliance and Legal Officers
Business Owners
Senior Management
Anyone responsible for managing employee relations, terminations, or disciplinary procedures within an organization

Workshop Modules

1. Introduction to Employment Termination Under the Workers Rights Act

Overview of the legal framework on employment terminatio
Key provisions of the Workers Rights Act relating to termination of employment
Differences between lawful and unlawful termination
Employer obligations and employee rights during termination

2. Grievance Handling Procedures

Defining workplace grievances and the importance of addressing them
Legal provisions for grievance redressal mechanisms under the Workers Rights Act
Step-by-step grievance handling process:
- Informal vs. formal grievances
- Investigating grievances and ensuring fairness
- Timelines for grievance resolution
- Documentation and record-keeping
Preventing grievances through proactive employee engagement

3. Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Provisions

Understanding equal opportunity laws under the Workers Rights Act
Prohibitions against discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, disability, etc.
Ensuring fairness in hiring, promotions, and termination processes
Best practices for fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace
Legal implications of failing to comply with equal opportunity laws
How to prevent discrimination claims and ensure diversity in the workplace

4. Disciplinary Hearing Procedures

The role of disciplinary hearings in managing employee behavior
Legal requirements for conducting a fair disciplinary hearing
Stages of a disciplinary process:
- Investigation and evidence gathering
- Issuing charges and providing notice to employees
- Conducting hearings and ensuring due process
- Outcomes and corrective actions (warnings, suspension, termination)
Documenting disciplinary actions and ensuring compliance
Appeals and dispute resolution options following a disciplinary hearing

5. Redundancy and Retrenchment

Definition and legal basis for redundancy under the Workers Rights Act
The process of determining and justifying redundancy (business reasons, economic downturn, etc.)
Employee rights during redundancy:
- Notice periods, severance pay, and other entitlements
- Alternative measures to redundancy (retraining, reassignment)
- Consultation and notification requirements
Redundancy process: o Criteria for selection of employees for redundancy o Employee consultation and communication o Documentation and compliance with redundancy procedures
Legal considerations in managing redundancy (e.g., avoiding discriminatory practices)

6. Retirement Procedures

Legal provisions for employee retirement under the Workers Rights Act
Age of retirement, retirement benefits, and pension schemes
Options for early retirement and voluntary retirement schemes
Employee rights upon retirement:
- Severance pay, pension, gratuity, and other benefits
- Transition support for retiring employees
- Communication of retirement procedures
Disputes and issues related to retirement, including forced retirement

7. Best Practices for Managing Termination and Employee Exit

Developing clear company policies on termination, grievance handling, and discipline
Employee exit interviews: Purpose and best practices
Mitigating legal risks during termination (e.g., wrongful dismissal, redundancy disputes)
Providing support for employees post-termination (career counseling, outplacement services)
How to maintain morale and company reputation during a restructuring or large-scale termination event