ACAS Guidance: Overtime and Suspensions

ACAS has published two new sets of guidance for employers, on overtime and suspensions, available here.

Overtime:  the guidance highlights the importance of setting out terms relating to it in employment contracts or staff handbooks. It urges both employers and workers to keep detailed records of the amount of overtime worked and how much time off has been taken in lieu.

Suspensions: the guidance provides employers with comprehensive advice on when to consider suspension from work. The guidance recommends suspension should only be considered if there is a serious allegation of misconduct, a medical reason to suspend, or a workplace risk to an employee who is a new or expectant mother. Suspension should not be used automatically in disciplinary matters and employers considering suspension should look at alternatives first, such as the employee working under supervision temporarily, or having their hours, role, or workplace changed.