Managing people
Disciplinary procedure and the ACAS Code of Practice
Get the disciplinary process wrong and a dismissal becomes unfair regardless of the reason. The ACAS Code is the benchmark tribunals apply.
The ACAS Code steps
- Establish the facts through a fair investigation before any decision.
- Inform the employee in writing of the issue and the possible consequences.
- Hold a meeting to discuss the issue - with the employee given the chance to respond.
- Allow the employee to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative.
- Decide on appropriate action and confirm it in writing.
- Offer the right of appeal.
The 25% uplift
An employment tribunal can increase a compensation award by up to 25% where an employer unreasonably fails to follow the ACAS Code - and reduce an employee's award by up to 25% if they fail to follow it.
Last reviewed September 2026. General information, not legal advice - check ACAS and GOV.UK for your situation.
Related
Need the actual document?
StaffVault drafts the policy or letter this guide describes, grounded in current UK law, in minutes.
Create an HR document free