Taking disciplinary action against an employee

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Overview

You should have written disciplinary rules and procedures to deal with employee performance and conduct and you must tell your staff about them.

Your rules must say what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace and what action you will take if the rules are broken.

The rules should follow the Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Not following the code is not illegal. However, if someone wins an employment tribunal against you and you did not follow the code, then their award could be up to 25% more.

Acas guidance on discipline and grievances

The Acas guidance on discipline and grievances at work gives more information for employers about taking disciplinary action.

Acas Helpline

The Acas Helpline has further advice on disciplinary issues.

Acas Helpline
Telephone: 0300 123 11 00
Textphone: 18001 0300 123 1100
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

Practical training courses

Acas also runs practical training courses on workplace discipline.