Discipline and grievance procedures: UK employment law

Essential points

• Employers should ensure that their own dismissal, disciplinary and grievance policies and procedures comply with the Acas Code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures. 
• Employers must follow a fair procedure whendealing with both grievances and disciplinary matters, including conducting an investigation, allowing a companion, and keeping a written record of what was decided, any actions taken, whether an appeal was lodged, and the outcome of that appeal. 
• In the event of a dispute, an employment tribunal should be a last resort, when all other options have been exhausted.
• During a disciplinary procedure, HR advice should be limited to questions of law, procedure and process. The actual findings on culpability and sanction should be decided by the manager.