Draft Acas guidance on the new code on discipline and grievances
Acas has published draft guidance on operating discipline and grievance procedures for consultation to accompany the new code of practice on discipline and grievances. The code, issued in draft in May 2008, was revised to take into account the proposed repeal of the statutory dispute resolution procedures in the Employment Bill, currently progressing through Parliament and likely to come into force in early 2009.
The guidance aims to supplement the code of practice and add practical examples. Although an unreasonable failure to comply with the code itself may result in awards of compensation being adjusted, the guidance is purely advisory and has no legal status before an employment tribunal.
The guidance is far more detailed than the code and is based on Acas’ extensive experience of handling disciplinary and grievance issues in the workplace. As such it will provide a best-practice platform for employers to use when reviewing their policies and procedures, along with the finalised Code, when the statutory dispute resolution requirements are abolished.
Acas is consulting on the draft guidance until 25 July 2008, which is the same end date for sending comments on the revised draft code.
Further information:
http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=905&p=0%20
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
