Falsifying Documents at Work
Falsifying documents refers to the act of altering, fabricating, or misrepresenting information in official or work-related records. Such actions may include forging signatures, backdating documents or creating entirely fake documents. In the workplace, falsified documents can range from falsified expense claims and timesheets to tampered employment records or fraudulent certifications. For UK employers, falsified documents […]
Final Written Warning: Guide for UK Employers
A final written warning is a formal step in the disciplinary process, issued when an employee’s misconduct or performance issues are serious or persistent. It acts as a last opportunity for the employee to improve their behaviour or meet required standards before further action, such as dismissal, is considered. The warning typically outlines the specific […]
Time Limit for Disciplinary Actions: Employer Guide
The ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures states: “employers and employees should raise and deal with issues promptly and should not unreasonably delay meetings, decisions or confirmation of those decisions.” In practice, most disciplinary matters are dealt with promptly, typically within a matter of weeks, while more complex or difficult cases – […]
What to Do When Accused of Gross Misconduct
If you are being accused of gross misconduct at work, you will need to act quickly to understand your options and next steps. We look at some common concerns of employees facing disciplinary action at work. What is misconduct? Workplace misconduct relates to unacceptable actions and behaviours that justify the employer in taking […]
Sleeping On The Job: Employer Strategies & Policies
Sleeping at work is generally not allowed, due not only to productivity issues, but also because of potential health and safety hazards, depending on the employee’s role and responsibilities. Employers should be clear on the rules around sleeping on the job, and the consequences facing employees if they are found have been asleep while at […]
Swearing at Work: Advice for Employers
Swearing at work refers to the use of inappropriate, offensive or profane language in the workplace. Whether or not swearing at work is acceptable will depend on the context and the employer’s expectations of its workforce. In some working environments, swearing may be commonplace and culturally accepted as part of everyday communication between colleagues. But […]
Employee Stealing from Work?
Stealing from work refers to any act where an employee takes property, money or resources belonging to their employer without permission. It can range from theft of physical items, such as office supplies or equipment, to more significant actions like embezzlement or misuse of company funds. Even seemingly minor acts, like taking food from a […]
Dealing with a Malicious Grievance
Being on the receiving end of a complaint at work can be an extremely stressful and worrying time, especially where the grievance raised is vexatious, malicious and deliberately intended to make life difficult for you. Below we look at how to deal with a malicious grievance at work, either as an employer or senior employee, […]
Right to Be Accompanied: Employer Guidance & Rules
The right to be accompanied is a legal entitlement under the Employment Relations Act 1999, allowing employees and workers to bring someone with them to certain workplace meetings, such as a disciplinary or grievance hearing. Employees can choose to be accompanied by a colleague, a trade union representative or an official employed by a trade […]
UK Disciplinary Procedure 2026: Steps, Legal & Best Practice
When an employee has acted inappropriately at work or they have gone against company policy, employers can respond by taking disciplinary action. Embarking on a formal disciplinary procedure may become necessary to ensure that any unacceptable or improper behaviour at work, or poor performance matters, that cannot be resolved informally are appropriately addressed. Regardless of […]