The suspension of an employee is a very serious measure that can
have a drastic effect on the employment relationship. As
such, it should be undertaken only after careful consideration by
the employer.
An administrative suspension is one which the employer imposes
for business or administrative reasons. By contrast, disciplinary
suspensions usually arise in the context of alleged or actual
misconduct on the part of the employee. Given that the latter puts
the employee's conduct directly in issue, it is governed by
different criteria. The purpose of this article is to summarize the
considerations relevant to administrative suspensions.
When are suspensions authorized?
The key concern for an employer in suspending an employee is
whether the suspension is compatible with the continuation of the
employment relationship. Thus, if the employment contract gives the
employer the right to suspend the employee for administrative
reasons; the employer can do so, in
