Acas has published a consultation on a revised draft Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures with a view to “fixing the friction” and promoting better early resolution of concerns in the workplace. The current proposed draft is a much expanded and materially reworked version of the existing Code and is described as playing a “critical role in a wider reset to build good workplace relations.”
The consultation is open for feedback until 23 September 2026.
Overview of the Consultation
The Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures (the ‘Code’) has long been a cornerstone for navigating workplace disputes in the UK. While a failure to follow the Code does not by itself give rise to legal liability, employment tribunals must take the Code into account in relevant cases and can adjust compensation awards by up to 25% for unreasonable failure to comply with it. This means that if a tribunal feels that an employer has unreasonably failed to follow the Code, they can increase any award they have made by up to 25%. Conversely, if they feel an employee has unreasonably failed to follow the Code, they can reduce any award they have made by up to 25%. The Code therefore effectively operates as the minimum standard of fair process that employers are expected to follow when dealing with employee grievances and disciplinary matters.
On 30 July 2026, Acas published a draft revised version of the Code for public consultation. The consultation notes that...
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