Disciplinary, Dismissal & Grievance Procedures

Guidance for employers

When procedures do not apply

The procedures do not need to be completed if the grievance is of a 'collective' nature. The grievance is counted as collective if it is raised by a recognised trade union or a workplace representative on behalf of two or more employees.

The procedures will not apply when one party behaves in such a violent and unreasonable manner that the other party could not be expected to sit down with them and go through the procedures.

Finally there will be circumstances when factors beyond the control of either party mean that it is effectively impossible for the procedure to be gone through, for example if one of the parties concerned leaves the country or becomes seriously ill.