I had to dismiss a negligent apprentice who is now threatening to take action. What should I do?
Here, Karren gives her expert advice to a reader who had to dismiss a negligent apprentice.
Q) I run a pet-grooming business and the safety of our animals is of the utmost importance.
I employed an apprentice, ensuring I gave him plenty of training and detailed instructions.
But after a few months, I noticed he was cutting corners and leaving pets unsupervised.
After speaking to him about this on numerous occasions, I eventually had to dismiss him.
Now he has a vendetta against me, claiming his role was meant to be work experience for his veterinary course.
He has threatened to get his university involved, as well as his parents, saying I've been unfair and unprofessional.
While these are baseless claims, it's a lot to deal with.
What can I do?
Kara, via email
A) You absolutely did the right thing by putting the safety of the animals you look after first, however difficult the conversations with your trainee were.
Apprentice star Karren Brady terrified after burglar launched FOUR raids on £6m home in 16 hours taking designer gear
In roles that involve trust, responsibility and the wellbeing of animals or people, there is no room for repeated carelessness.
To protect yourself and your business going forward, keep thorough records of everything – specific incidents, reminders, one-to-one conversations and any formal or informal feedback you've given, along with dates and times.
If you are contacted by your former trainee's family or university, respond professionally and stick to the facts.
Make it clear that the dismissal was due to consistent breaches of safety protocols and not a personal grievance.
If he continues to make false or harmful claims, report his actions through the appropriate channels as harassment or defamation.
You've built your business on high standards, care and professionalism – don't let this situation shake your confidence or distract you from what you do so well.
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