During a workplace investigation, under what circumstances can you suspend an employee?

Up until relatively recently, an employer could generally suspend an employee with pay pending an investigation as long as the right to suspend was included in the disciplinary policy or contract of employment. However, the power to suspend employees pending an investigation has come under close scrutiny over the last number of years in a number of high profile cases. The current generally accepted position is that, even where a right to suspend exists in the contract or staff handbook, a suspension will normally only be justified where necessary to:

(i)    Prevent the repetition of the conduct complained; or

(ii)   Prevent interference with evidence; or

(iii)