Jenni works on the floor of your electronics retail store as a full-time sales support agent for laptops and PCs. She is one of a team of three assigned to this area of the store.
Jenni has been with you for 6 months, in which time sales of PCs and laptops have declined by 9%, which is significantly below target. You are aware that the PC and laptop market is growing by 6% annually nationally.
Jenni has two young children, aged 2 and 4. She is a single parent since her husband left home saying he couldn't cope with having kids.
Jenni has increasingly phoned in saying that she is sick or that a child is sick. In the last month she has been absent 30% of the time she should have been at work, and this has triggered an automatic review of her performance. At the review Jenni broke down in tears saying she couldn't manage at home. The performance reviewer suggested she should leave the post but this upset Jenni even more - she pleaded to have another chance and promised to improve her attendance.
This week she has been absent with a sick child for Monday and Tuesday. She is in today and you need to make a decision.
You are within your legal rights to dismiss Jenni. But is this the right thing to do?
Her absenteeism is impacting on other staff and may be responsible for lower than expected sales. On the other hand Jenni is having a very difficult time at the moment and sacking her would probably make life even worse for her.
Do you agree or disagree with the proposal?
It is proposed that you dismiss Jenni on the ground of poor performance and absenteeism