Hi
I have had a similar situation happen to me, I employed 32 ladies once doing private domestic work, I gave one of them a role as supervisor after 2 years service - what a nightmare, I dont think she did a days work after that and she lost me 12 clients along with another lady. I made them redundat after consulting a solicitor ended up going to tribunal and cost me £6000 not forgetting my time.
I would go to acas and follow discipline procedures to the letter, TRY TO AVOID SOLICITORS IF YOU CAN, it will cost you £1500 straight away.
I also had a 3rd incedent when a trusted employee who was a great cleaner telephoned me to say she was going self employed and was taking all the clients she cleaned for with her, even though there are clauses in her contract and client contracts to prevent this, I immediatley telephoned my solicitors ( A different solicitor than the first) who advised me to sack immiediatley for gross misconduct! ended up costing me £4000 even though I followed the letter of the law and even offered her the right to appeal with a meeting. She got free solicitors (the same as the last two cleaners used-funny coincidence)
So that is £10k through no fault of my own, lets just say I was p****d off.
I have since franchised the business out and use owner operators, the biggest employs 5 people.
I now employ 1 lady It has taught me to nip a situation in the bud straight away, never trust anyone! and I will never give a cleaner a free reign with clients keep changing them around and keep an eye on them, the clients are just as bad.
I have also set up a direct maid program where I have 2 self employed cleaners and they virtually get there own business in a postcode area and I get them clients and they give me a share of profits, at least they take ownership of the business and do a better job.
If you need any advice from someone who has been bitten then pleae email me1