9. DECISIONS

After the hearing

After the disciplinary hearing, the employer must decide whether or not to take disciplinary action, and inform the employee.

A good disciplinary procedure will specify exactly what penalty can be imposed and for how long. This ensures both that the employee knows what the outcome is likely to be and that there is consistency in the employer’s approach. Reps should try to include a specific provision for the right to make additional representations on the nature of the penalty to be imposed.

The employer must decide whether or not disciplinary action is reasonable in the circumstances and, if so, what form it should take.

The Acas Code reminds employers that any penalty must be proportionate to the offence.