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The Global Insight

What makes a disciplinary hearing unfair?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on April 01, 2026

If a proper procedure is not followed, the disciplinary action taken may be considered to be unfair. 3. Failing to conduct a proper investigation. A reasonable and thorough investigation needs to be followed and all relevant evidence gathered before a decision is made as to whether formal action will be taken.

What are the three main stages of the disciplinary process?

The steps in the disciplinary procedure generally follow graduated steps including a verbal warning, written warning, final written warning, and dismissal.

Can you refuse to attend a disciplinary meeting?

If you fail to attend the meeting and don’t have a reasonable excuse for not attending, the meeting may go ahead without you and you will not be able to put your case.

How many steps are in a disciplinary procedure?

How Many Stages Are In A Disciplinary Procedure? There are usually at least five stages in a fair disciplinary process: Investigate and establish the facts and if disciplinary action is appropriate.

Why are disciplinary meetings so difficult for employees?

Disciplinary meetings are difficult for everyone: the employee is no less uncomfortable than you are. By the time a situation has risen to the level of a disciplinary meeting, the employee should have been warned, at least once, that their behavior or conduct is unacceptable.

What should be included in a disciplinary letter?

Your invite letter must include: Date, time and location of the disciplinary meeting. Who will be present at the meeting. Your employee’s right to be accompanied at the meeting. Details of what they are alleged to have done – this should be clearly set out. The potential consequences or potential outcome of the meeting.

What should be the structure of a disciplinary hearing?

Your disciplinary hearing must have a clear beginning, middle and end structure. In the beginning, you should open the meeting with introductions and set expectations about what is going to happen in the meeting.

When to adjourn a disciplinary meeting in HR?

Once you get to this point you should adjourn the disciplinary meeting. The adjournment is important, as this allows you an opportunity to consider the outcome decision.