Acas code of practice on dispute resolution procedures

Introduction date

Due in force Apr 2009

Summary

Following consultation (to Jul 2008), Acas's revised code of practice on discipline and grievance has been approved by the Business Secretary, and is awaiting full parliamentary approval. The new code aims to encourage businesses and individuals to resolve disputes internally, saving money and time. The code has been revised to take into account the changes being made to workplace dispute resolution by the Employment Act 2008 (see above), particularly the removal of the statutory dismissal and discipline procedures.

The revised code is considerably shorter than the existing code, and provides basic practical guidance to employers, employees and their representatives and sets out principles for handling disciplinary and grievance situations in the workplace.

Acas has published (Jun 2008) detailed draft, non-statutory guidance on handling discipline and grievances in the workplace, which is designed to support the code.