Appeal

Acas points out that an employee can appeal against a disciplinary decision on both conduct and performance matters but must do so in writing. It says they need to set out grounds for appeal within five working days.

The appeal should be heard without delay and, where possible, by a manager preferably more senior and not previously involved in the case. Acas recognises that this is not always possible in a small business, so the same manager or owner may have to hear the appeal, “but they must be objective”.