ACAS Statutory Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance

On 6th April 2009 the new code on discipline and grievance came into force.

So goodbye to the 3-step procedure (well kind of).

The headlines are as follows:

· Issues will be sought to be resolved informally and in a more relaxed manner in the first instance. Where issues are not able to be resolved informally in the first instance an independent third party will be sought to help resolve the issue. The third party can be an internal mediator.

· A formal approach will be taken where the informal approach fails to achieve a satisfactory result.

· The code will not apply to dismissals for the reason of redundancy and the non-renewal of fixed term contracts.

· Bullying, harassment and victimisation, whistle blowing matters will be dealt with under a separate procedure.

· Capability can be dealt with under a separate procedure.

· Employment tribunals (ET’s) will adjust awards by up to 25% for unreasonable failure to comply with the new code and will reduce any award made to an employee by up to 25% where the employee has unreasonably failed to follow the guidance in the code.

As a result of the changes if you require your discipline and grievance procedures to be reviewed and updated to reflect the changes contact Sue on 0208 8168 726 or at sue(at)completepeoplemanagement.co.uk for a quotation.