Acas have launched consultation on a revised draft Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.
In their press release, ACAS state:
The new Code will help employers and workers handle concerns in a fair, transparent and timely way. Employers and workers have rights and responsibilities, and handling concerns that come up early and informally can save on costs and stress at work.
Acas research on the annual cost of conflict has found that managing formal disciplinary and grievance procedures is estimated to cost UK employers £2.36 billion a year. While the annual cost of informal resolution is around 10 times lower at £250 million.
There are many proposed changes in the draft code, the most significant of which is the much greater emphasis on informal resolution as this is moved into the main statutory Code itself, rather than being referred to mainly in the foreword and accompanying guidance. Also before a formal disciplinary process begins, employers would be expected to record or explain the informal steps already taken, or why no informal action was appropriate. A similar expectation would apply when workers raise formal grievances.
Other changes include new principles for handling workplace concerns and places increased focus on mediation and facilitated conversations, together with stronger guidance that suspension should only be used in limited circumstances and not as a routine response.
The word ‘employee’ is replaced with ‘worker’, therefore widening the scope of the Code. The draft Code also encourages employers to provide training, support and clear policies so that managers, workers and representatives have the skills and confidence to resolve workplace concerns effectively and at an early stage.
The consultation can be found here and closes on 23rd September 2026.
If you would like to discuss how these proposed changes may impact your organisation and ensure that you are prepared for when the Code is implemented please contact hrcaseworkteam@schoolschoice.org
