Tips & info

The best defense: Policy manuals & employee handbooks

February 2002

Policy manuals and handbooks offer protection from unfounded unemployment claims.

STRATEGY 1: This defense may fail unless it can be proven that a claimant (former employee) received and understood the policy that relates to the termination.

STRATEGY 2: Procedures should be developed to ensure that handbooks and manuals are received, reviewed, and explained. Employees should understand which policies may lead to disciplinary measures and dismissal.

STRATEGY 3: Claimants may state that they were unaware of the company policies; the best evidence is a signed acknowledgment of receipt.

STRATEGY 4: Procedures must be enforced consistently, and warnings should refer to specifc policies in the manual.

STRATEGY 5: It should be documented when employees review and receive changes to the policy manual.

STRATEGY 6: Policies should be posted on employee bulletin boards and discussed in meetings.

STRATEGY 7: Policies should include local departmental policies, job policies, and safety policies.

NOTE: It may be appropriate to post rules in work areas to help employees become familiar with policies.