Resolving workplace disputes - amended Code of Practice

As of 6 April 2009 the government has reformed the processes of dealing with problems at work. These changes put less emphasis on the mechanics of how to manage disciplinary issues, grievances or dismissals and places the onus on flexibility to resolve problems at an early stage. The content of the Code is easy to grasp and straightforward. On handling disciplinary issues and dismissals it sets out the following steps for employers to follow:

· establish the facts of each case
· inform the employee of the problem
· hold a meeting with the employee to discuss the problem
· allow the employee to be accompanied at the meeting
· decide on appropriate action
· provide employees with an opportunity to appeal.

More information can be found in our article 'Resolving workplace disputes'.