What can occur if an employer does not act reasonably in the dismissal procedure?

When an employer fails to act reasonably during the dismissal procedure, one consequence is that the award may increase by up to 25%. This reflects the principle that the tribunal aims to encourage fair treatment of employees and to deter employers from taking unjust actions.

In situations where a dismissal is deemed unfair, the tribunal assesses whether the employer followed proper procedures and acted reasonably in their decisions. If it is determined that the dismissal was not handled appropriately—such as lacking sufficient evidence, failing to adhere to established protocols, or not allowing the employee a fair opportunity to respond—this can lead to enhanced compensation for the dismissed employee.

Thus, an increase of up to 25% can be awarded as a form of punitive measure, reflecting the tribunal's recognition of the employer's failure to meet their obligations toward fair dismissal practices. This is designed to address and remedy the imbalance caused by the employer's unreasonable actions.

The other options do not accurately represent standard outcomes of unreasonable dismissal procedures: penalties or direct promotions are not typical legal consequences in this context. Furthermore, salary increases are not a legal remedy for dismissal issues. Therefore, the increase in the award effectively underscores the importance of adherence to reasonable dismissal procedures by employers.