Employers who fail to correctly manage staff counselling and discipline procedures run the risk of incurring unnecessary costs and possible unfair dismissal and other claims, according to the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI).

VECCI General Manager - Workplace Relations Policy, Mr David Gregory, said employers needed to be aware of their responsibilities and obligations to handle these issues properly in the workplace.

"Poor employee counselling, whether for unsatisfactory work performance or unacceptable behaviour, can be costly, particularly if it results in termination of employment and possibly an unfair or unlawful dismissal claim," says Mr Gregory.

"The counselling and discipline process involves the original counselling interview, the issue of warnings and a review process - all of which need to follow accepted procedures.

"When dealing with termination of employment, employers need to be aware of issues such as the difference between termination and redundancy (with or without notice), the difference between unfair and unlawful dismissal and the consequences of disciplinary action or termination on the organisation and the individual.

"The briefing will also examine the possible impact of the Federal Government's proposed changes to unfair dismissal laws", says Mr Gregory.

To help local employers deal with these issues, VECCI has organised a special briefing in Ballarat to be held Wednesday, 14 September at 5.30pm.