Discipline and Grievance Issues

6. The Disciplinary Hearing

6.1 Employees should be given sufficient notice to prepare for a formal hearing. What is appropriate will depend upon the complexities or otherwise of the matter under review. Hearings shold not normally be held on the same day as notification.

6.2 Respect the employee's rights. For example, their right to give their side of the story.

6.3 Make clear the consequences if there is no improvement (eg penalties or dismissal).

6.4 Compose any written warning after the hearing, not before.

• Verbal warnings are usually valid for three to six months, while final warnings may remain in force for 12 months or more.
• Where an improvement is required, specify what improvement and how it will be measured (see 7).
• State the duration of any written warning in the warning letter.