Where there are allegations which amount to gross misconduct, or a strong operational reason, an employee can be suspended on full pay. Suspension is a holding measure and not punitive action in itself.
While suspended the employee:
- must remain on full pay
- must remain available to work
When investigating gross misconduct, not suspending could hinder any dismissal the employer is hoping to achieve. It is best practice that a suspension is followed up in writing. However, you must ensure that suspension is not a knee-jerk reaction, and ensure suspension is reasonable given the allegations being presented.