Asking for an adjournment

It is sensible to ask for a brief adjournment if the member becomes distressed or angry or if the member needs to discuss something with their rep. A longer adjournment can be requested (rescheduling to a later date, if necessary) if new evidence is sprung on the member, to allow enough time to respond properly. The Acas Code says that management should not introduce new charges or allegations if an employee has not been given prior notice and the chance to consider the evidence and prepare their response.