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Suspension from Work - What Does the Law Say?Any employer can suspend their employees at any time due to misconduct or disciplinary issues. Understanding your rights during suspension is crucial for protecting yourself.When Can You Be Suspended?The reasons for suspension are usually set out in your contract or staff conduct manual – the terms of your suspension will also be set out – such as if you will receive payment or not.Even if there is no mention of suspension in your contract, your employer can still suspend you if there is a good enough reason and the suspension causes no harm to you (for example, financial harm: leaving you without pay).Why Do Employers Suspend Staff?To Emphasise Seriousness: Employers often suspend employees to stress the seriousness of the matter and to reiterate the breach of trust between both parties.Stop Ongoing Misconduct: The employee can also be suspended to stop any misconduct continuing – this can apply in cases such as fraud or other monetary issues.Prevent Communication: A suspension can also stop you from communicating with your colleagues and other staff members. You can also be barred from talking to your colleagues outside of work to ensure no further detriment to the business. However, if you feel that not being able to talk to them will somehow be unfair then you can dispute this.Investigation Time: Employers also use the suspension period as time for investigation of the allegations of misconduct.Public Relations: Another reason that employers suspend employees is to remove scrutiny from the public eye or from the press.Duration and Your RightsSuspension from work should be as brief as possible to reduce the detriment to the employee.As a suspended employee, you still maintain your worker rights. This includes if you are being paid – so you must be paid the correct amount. If not, you can make a claim to an employment tribunal for the reduction in your wage.If you feel like your suspension is unfair or your disciplinary issue is not being handled correctly you should then seek legal advice.Health and Safety SuspensionsYou can also be suspended from work due to health and safety issues. If your employer feels that your job is a risk to your health or physical wellbeing then you may be suspended on full payIf your employer finds you an alternative role, you cannot refuse it for suspension instead. This kind of suspension can last up to 26 weeks on full pay if you've been employed for at least a month.This also applies if you are pregnant, except the suspension can continue for the entire duration of pregnancy.Get Employment Law SupportIf you wish to seek advice on an unfair suspension or any other employment issue, contact our team today on 0116 2999 199 or email us at info@d-w-s.co.uk