The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7321 p551
16 October 2004

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Related websites
The Employment Act 2002 (Dispute Resolution) Regulations 2004 (more)
DTI Employment Relations (more)

New workplace rules in force

New grievance, disciplinary and dismissal rules for all employers came into force on 1 October. The Pharmacy Mutual Insurance company has warned pharmacists who are employers that if they do not follow them they will face additional financial penalties at employment tribunals.

In essence, employers who are considering disciplinary action against any employee must put any complaint against the employee in writing, hold a meeting with the employee to discuss the matter and offer an appeal meeting where a decision is disputed.

Employees who have a grievance against their employers must follow the same rules. Failure by either party to follow this procedure will automatically count against them in any subsequent employment tribunal proceedings.

Employees also now have a statutory right to be accompanied by a companion or trade union official at any meetings of a disciplinary nature.