Disciplinary process in short: While your business is likely to benefit from the hard work and talent of your team, there will be instances when a disciplinary process is required. In this instance, you’ll need a series of letters: a disciplinary letter invite, a disciplinary written warning letter, and a dismissal letter. These letters should be used where an employer has begun a formal disciplinary process (in accordance with its disciplinary policy).
Written warning: Depending on how a disciplinary procedure goes, you will likely follow it up with either a written warning disciplinary letter, or a dismissal letter. This particular template is for a written warning disciplinary letter. In the instance whereby a route seems available to tackle either the performance or behavioural issues of the employee in question, this letter will allow you to formally acknowledge the issue while avoiding termination.
Content of the letter: This written warning template confirms that the employer upholds the finding that the behaviour or performance of the employee required disciplinary action, but that the behaviour or performance was not serious enough to terminate the employment relationship on this occasion.
The way forward: In essence, this affords the employee an opportunity to improve and hopefully allows the employer to maintain a member of staff that otherwise provides benefit to the business. It’s worth noting here that a warning remains on the employee record for a finite period.
This written warning template is a formal notification to an employee that they have engaged in some form of misconduct or failed to meet expected standards of performance or behaviour. It is designed to provide the employee with a clear understanding of the issue, what is expected of them going forward, and the consequences of further misconduct.
What are the benefits of using Docue’s disciplinary written warning template?
Compliance: Using this written warning template ensures that the disciplinary process is carried out in a fair and consistent manner, in accordance with relevant English and Welsh employment laws. This can help to protect both employers and employees from legal challenges or disputes.
Structure: This written warning template provides a clear and structured approach to the disciplinary process. This can help to reduce confusion or misunderstandings and can make the process less intimidating for employees who may be unfamiliar with disciplinary procedures.
Clear and concise: Using this written warning template can help to ensure that the disciplinary process is carried out efficiently and effectively. It provides a clear and concise format for communicating the issue, areas to improve and the consequences of further misconduct.
In England, there are several employment laws that require the disciplinary process to be carried out in a fair and consistent manner. The ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures sets out the key principles that employers should follow when dealing with disciplinary issues. As part of the disciplinary process, an employer is legally required to:
• Establish the facts of the disciplinary action;
• Inform the employee of the issue in writing;
• Allow the employee to be accompanied at the disciplinary hearing;
• Decide on appropriate action; and
• Give the employee an opportunity to appeal.
Using Docue’s written warning template can help employers to comply with these legal requirements, whilst also providing a clear and structured approach to the disciplinary process.
Why Docue?
Simple: Docue is easy to use and can help you create a top-quality written warning template in minutes. With Docue you can also collect signatures electronically, and store all of your documents in Docue's storage vault, Docue Drive, to ensure you always have quick and easy access to your documents in one place.
Fully customisable: The service includes model clauses designed by qualified lawyers to help you draft the letter yourself and tailor it to your needs.
Organised: You can ensure you never lose an important document again by storing all of your legal documents in Docue’s secure storage vault.
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