Relocation - A Minefield of Litigation

Relocating staff to a foreign country can be a minefield of litigation if managed incorrectly warns relocation agent Grant Nicholls of Monument London Realty.

The former Police Officer states that during his service with the Metropolitan Police he came across numerous people who had relocated to London and then placed themselves in unenviable situations through no fault of their own. These individuals often coming to the notice of Police after becoming the victim of crime - sometimes of a serious nature.

Whilst no HR Department or relocation agent can prevent a relocating employee from being the victim of a crime, it is absolutely imperative that all reasonable steps are taken during the initial relocation process and that plans are in place if something does happen. Otherwise it could be seen that the employer has failed in their duty of care.

Mr. Nicholls therefore advises that all companies should implement a well thought out and structured relocation policy beyond the logistics of relocation. This could include;

1. Area Tours & Orientation and finding suitable property to rent or purchase in the right location.

2. HR Departments to have regular meetings with the members of staff concerned during the initial relocation - this will highlight any possible issues.

3. Contingency Plans (if the employee becomes the victim of crime) - to include support, counselling, family and police liaison and staff contact logs.

4. Assurances over pay and conditions and welfare issues addressed. For example - the member of staff requesting to return to their country of origin.

5. Public Relations - if your employee becomes the victim of a serious crime the matter will need to be managed from a PR perspective. Therefore always seek the advice of your PR Department.

Whilst a relocation policy cannot stop an individual from litigating against their company - if they are the victim of a crime - it does show that the company concerned takes the implications of relocation and the safety and welfare of their staff seriously.

Failure to have such a policy will not only strengthen the case of the plaintiff and their legal team, it will also enable them to take the public relations moral high ground.

Grant Nicholls is the Director of Monument London Realty - he is also a former Police Officer and Press Liaison Officer for the Metropolitan Police and a Police Federation Representative.



Contact Details

Grant Nicholls

Monument London Realty

Tel: 0750-3013331

Email: info@london-realty.co.uk