Disciplinary procedures

Q. Are there guidelines on timescales for adjournments to appeal hearings?

A. Under the new statutory disciplinary procedures introduced last October, each step in the disciplinary process must be taken "without unreasonable delay". This includes appeal hearings.

If the delay in the hearing is the employer's fault, it may be worth reminding them of the financial penalties that will result if the case does end up at tribunal.

For further information, see the LRD booklet Disciplinary and grievance procedures - a guide to the new law (October 2004), price £4.20.