Disciplinary Hearings in the Workplace

Disciplinary action being taken at work is not a pleasant experience for either employer or employee, but sometimes it is necessary in the face of misconduct or poor performance by the employee.
Our costs are transparent and we will agree a fixed fee with you for advising on how to handle the whole disciplinary process, including the hearings.     

We will tell you your rights and give you assistance in preparing for your hearing. Throughout we will be open and honest about your situation and what may happen in the hearing.   

If you are being faced with disciplinary action by your employer, contact DSM Legal today by calling 0845 009 0863, or alternatively fill in our online contact form to request a call back from one of our solicitors. We are based in Warrington and service the whole of the Merseyside, Cheshire and Manchester area.

How Disciplinary Procedures Must Work

By law, an employer must follow set disciplinary procedures if they would like to bring proceedings against you:
  • Once they know they intend to undertake disciplinary action (ie following a proper investigation), they must inform you in writing about the hearing and the reasons for it, along with the date and time.
  • The disciplinary hearing itself then takes place, during which you will be told about the alleged misconduct, presented with evidence and will be given the opportunity to give your side of the story. After all of this, the employer will decide what action should be taken (if any).  You are entitled to the right to bring a colleague or a union rep into the disciplinary hearing.

  • Following the meeting you will be formally informed via letter of the outcome, and be given a set amount of time to appeal.

Examples of Reasons for Disciplinary Action

There are many of reasons that an employee could be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to:
  • Poor Performance
  • Customer Complaint
  • Theft from the company
  • Misconduct
  • Gross Misconduct (could lead to dismissal)

Potential Outcomes

Make no mistake, a disciplinary hearing is a very serious matter, and depending on the nature of the charges it can lead to one of the following outcomes:

  • Formal Written Warning, with associated punishments such as demotion, probation or loss of responsibilities.
  • Suspension
  • In the most extreme cases, dismissal

If you are dismissed, and the claims bought against you are false or if you feel that the punishment is harsh for the offence, then you may be able to bring a claim of unfair dismissal. We will be able to advise you about this, on a case by case basis. 

We will provide you with an estimate of costs at our first meeting and advice on how you may be able to reclaim your costs.

Contact DSM Legal Solicitors

DSM Legal can offer you advice every step of the way through the process. Give us a call on 0845 009 0863 today.

Member of the Employment Lawyers Association