What you need to know…
- Not following a fair process could lead to claims of unfair dismissal or discrimination, with serious financial and reputational consequences
- Less serious issues can build up if not dealt with, resulting in more serious misconduct, which can negatively affect the culture in your organisation
- A minimum of 72 working hours’ notice should be given of a formal disciplinary meeting
- The employee has the right to be represented at the formal stages of the process
- The employee must be notified in writing of any decisions made
- They will have a right of appeal against any decision made
- Appeals must be made in writing to a named person within five working days of receipt by the employee of the original disciplinary letter
- To minimise risk of unfair dismissal / constructive unfair dismissal claims, make sure you document every step of the process (see our advice guide on Unfair Dismissal for more detail)
What do you need to do...
Informal Stage
Where conduct or performance falls short of expected standards, an informal discussion will be held to raise the issue with the aim of seeking a resolution to the matter by encouraging improvement and highlighting steps that will follow if improvements are not made.
An informal warning should be recorded and retained as a file note.
Formal Stage
Depending on the circumstances it may be necessary to invoke formal disciplinary procedures.
No disciplinary action will be taken until the matter is appropriately investigated.
The employee will be advised of the nature of the complaint and be given a full opportunity to state their case before any decisions are made.
Disciplinary Hearing
If required to attend a disciplinary hearing (after the investigation meeting) the employee has the right to be represented by either a work colleague or trade union official.
They are to be provided with the full details of the allegations of misconduct, investigation notes, reports and witness statements in order to prepare their case.
The hearing will adjourn before any decision is made. Decisions will be confirmed in writing.
They have a right of appeal against any decision made. Appeals will be heard by someone more senior and not directly involved in the original hearing.
Disciplinary Sanctions
- Verbal warnings will normally be held on file for six months
- Written warnings will normally be held on file for 12 months, but in exceptional circumstances for longer, including in perpetuity
- Dismissal may occur if there is a failure to improve or in the event of serious misconduct or repeated warnings
In cases of Gross Misconduct, the disciplinary stages may not apply and, if after full investigation and a disciplinary hearing the case is proven summary dismissal may result
Other possible disciplinary sanctions include demotion, disciplinary transfer, loss of seniority and temporary suspension with or without pay