Can the process be done by phone for remote workers?

Is it possible to notify a staff member that they are at risk by phone and also hold the follow up consultations by phone (conference call, allowing them to have a representative with them if they choose)? The staff member is some 180 miles away and cash flow is so tight that the cost of travel to meet in person is prohibitive.

The legislation is not specific - but I think that you will be skirting too close to the wind if you did so. By phone would be impersonal and unfeeling, no matter what the reasons are, and I don't think it would go down well at all - with the employee, nor, should you land in one, a tribunal. Many people are uncomfortable with telephone conversations, it is hard to make them "personal" - and without seeing the "whites of their eyes", to know when you are being lied to! It is your own interests, if things are this bad, to make sure that the employee understands fully that you are being honest, and that you are doing everything fairly and legally - otherwise you may find that "right or not" you may end up in a tribunal with all the associated costs. Which will, I can assure you, be a tad more than the travel costs