UKEmployment & HRLegally Required

Disciplinary Procedure

Step-by-step disciplinary process compliant with the ACAS Code of Practice.

What this document covers

Every employer must follow a fair procedure when disciplining employees. Failure to follow the ACAS Code can result in a tribunal increasing any award by up to 25%. This procedure covers the full process from informal warnings through to dismissal.

Key sections included

  • Informal resolution
  • Investigation
  • Formal hearing
  • Written warnings
  • Final written warning
  • Dismissal
  • Appeals
  • Suspension
  • Gross misconduct examples

Frequently asked questions

Can I skip straight to dismissal?

Only for gross misconduct (e.g., theft, violence, serious food safety breaches). Even then, you must investigate and hold a hearing first.

Document details

Legal basis
Employment Rights Act 1996; ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
Enforced by
Employment Tribunal
Penalty for absence
Unfair dismissal claim with up to 25% uplift on compensation for failure to follow ACAS Code.
Category
Employment & HR

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