"YOU'RE fired!" - Sir Alan Sugar's familiar catchphrase might make entertaining TV on The Apprentice.

But Dorset and Hampshire employers tempted to emulate his no-nonsense style could end up paying dearly, solicitors warn.

"If employers behave like this in the real world, they're likely to find themselves on the receiving end of tribunal claims faster than you can say Sir Alan Sugar'," said Lesley Walford, an employment solicitor with Dorset law firm Ellis Jones.

Lesley - a self-confessed avid viewer of The Apprentice - warned: "The macho-man management style portrayed in the programme should be seen as nothing more than a way of boosting viewing figures. This really is a case of don't try this at home'."

She added: "It would be a mistake to try to emulate Sir Alan's belligerent style when dealing with employees.

"Employers should instead encourage good two-way communication and mutual respect."

Bosses contemplating dismissal or disciplinary action must follow a three-step statutory procedure.

This involves:

  • a statement in writing of what it is the employee is alleged to have done.
  • a meeting to discuss the situation.
  • the right of appeal.

If an employer does not follow this minimum procedure, then an employment tribunal may judge the dismissal "automatically unfair" and compensation will increase by between 10-50 per cent.