Disciplinary Warning Letter Generator
Confirm the outcome of a disciplinary hearing in writing, following the Acas Code of Practice: what was found, the improvement needed, how long the warning lasts, what happens next and the right to appeal.
About this tool
The Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures sets out what a fair process looks like in Great Britain, and employment tribunals take it into account: an award can be increased by up to 25% if an employer unreasonably fails to follow it. After a disciplinary meeting, the employee should be told the outcome in writing, including what they did wrong or where performance fell short, the improvement required and by when, how long the warning will remain in force, what will happen if there’s no improvement, and how to appeal.
A first written warning usually stays live for 6 to 12 months, and a final written warning for 12 months or more; a further offence while a final warning is live may lead to dismissal. The employee should have been given the chance to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative at the meeting. Follow your own policy, which may set different time limits, and take advice for anything complex. This tool shapes the letter; you remain responsible for the decision and the process.