HR

 Disciplinary proceedings checklist The Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures says that your disciplinary proceedings must be both fair and reasonable. Any failure to act in this way could result in a finding of unfair dismi... Read more

 Letter warning actions will be viewed as potential gross misconduct The penalty for proven gross misconduct is normally summary dismissal. This means that employment can be terminated without notice or pay. Certain actions, such as workplace violen... Read more

Post-disciplinary hearing checklist Your duty to act "fairly and reasonably" doesn't end with the disciplinary hearing. The decision-making process and any sanction imposed must be approached in exactly the same way. But, as with the earlier stages of t... Read more

 Letter enclosing witness confidentiality agreement and undertaking Where you require an employee to sign a witness confidentiality agreement and undertaking, it's only right that you explain the seriousness of the document to them. This should inclu... Read more

 Letter excluding employee from disciplinary hearing When faced with disciplinary action, not all employees act politely. Some have been known to become verbally or physically abusive; others have intimidated their employers and other witnesses. As ... Read more

Letter enclosing copy of employee's contract of employment Sometimes, a forgetful employee will lose their original contract of employment and you'll be asked to provide them with a copy. Alternatively, you might feel it's appropriate to draw their atte... Read more

 Letter declining fit note recommendations Employers are not obliged to accept the advice set out in a statement of fitness for work (fit note). Before taking any decision, however, you must discuss it with the employee. If you decide to reject it, ... Read more

Letter to employee who offers a gift/hospitality without approval There can be serious consequences for those employers who breach the Bribery Act 2010.  To stay on the right side of the law, ban all staff from offering any corporate gifts or hospita... Read more

 Letter to employee who accepts a gift/hospitality without approval The Bribery Act 2010 is a serious piece of legislation; there can be consequences for those employers who breach it. To stay on the right side of the law, you should prohibit staff f... Read more

 Staff questionnaire on employee engagementEven if there doesn't appear to be any real problems, staff questionnaires can reveal a great deal about a business. Where any issues are highlighted, you can swiftly take action to nip them in the bud. Idea... Read more