Adultery:Capability Issue?

So the papers have been reporting that John Terry has had an affair with his best friend’s girlfriend and that Fabio Capello is considering whether he should still be the England Captain. Should one’s personal life really affect one’s professional life and is it really a capability issue? Does the allegation that John Terry had an affair make him unable to perform his duties as the England Captain? Perhaps. As employers you may have had to deal with employees whose personal issues (such as debt or relationship problems except for illness), distract them and affect their ability to perform their duties to the necessary standard required of them. This in turn affects the atmosphere amongst other staff members.

What do you do? Speak to the employee, ascertain what the problems are ie marital or debt problems, ensure you have all the facts, discuss with them taking time off as holiday or unpaid leave to sort out the problems. Inform them that whilst you will be compassionate, if it continues to affect their work performance then they may be subject to a capability procedure. If the personal problems relate to ill health be aware of the disability discrimination act, or dependants be aware of the regulations relating to time off for dependants.

Really individuals should leave their personal problems at home once they come to work but that is not the reality. Therefore act immediately, as it creates an unpleasant atmosphere within the workplace.

Whatever the outcome of the England Captaincy, good luck to the Team!