The issue of job security – brought into sharp focus following the outbreak of the pandemic – spurred Master of Laws graduate Ms Lynndene Raymond into researching the regulation of electronic disciplinary proceedings in a post COVID-19 environment.

Senior Industrial Relations consultant and Litigator at LabourNet, Raymond says she decided to change her research direction after the outbreak of the virus resulted in virtual disciplinary proceedings – a new experience for both employers and employees.

‘In my position at work we focus on labour law, and one of the key roles is to chair disciplinary hearings,’ said Raymond. ‘After the pandemic began, I spoke to my Supervisor Dr Lee Swales about the possibility of writing about COVID-19 and the impact it has on employers and employees in the workplace as well as on labour relations… and my new thesis topic was born there and then.’

She says the pandemic had a significant impact on labour relations as after the outbreak it became necessary to adapt to virtual disciplinary proceedings in a short space of time.

The experience resulted in her being able to relate to her research due to her own personal experiences with virtual proceedings.

‘I stayed passionate about my topic and it was fascinating to put everything researched and practised on a day-to-day basis into my thesis, even airing my opinions on the matter.

‘Researching and gaining further insight into virtual labour proceedings and being able to take my own experiences from work and put them into the thesis, was a bonus as the qualification will enable me to further advance my career in the path I have chosen,’ she added.

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Supplied