Q3. Answer

We would recommend Option B.  The timing of the closedown does make it more difficult, particularly if the employee doesn’t take your calls on that last day.  If you did get hold of the employee you would note that you want to investigate their concerns, which they could meet and explain to you on 8 January, or document for you.  If she still mentioned resigning, then you would want to offer her additional time to consider that decision, so that you can be confident she wasn’t making the decision in the heat of the moment, even if she just took overnight to think about it further.  You would highlight that you would like the opportunity to look into her concerns with her and address them where appropriate.