Consultation on a proposed new Code of Practice for Disciplinary and Grievance procedures
ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) is an independent organisation that helps employers and employees prevent and resolve workplace issues through advice, guidance and good practice. ACAS has recently launched a consultation on a proposed new Code of Practice for Disciplinary and Grievance procedures. ACAS is seeking views from employers, workers, HR professionals, representatives and employment law practitioners before finalising what will become the replacement for the current Code.
This consultation is particularly significant because the ACAS Code plays a central role in workplace disciplinary and grievance processes. Whilst the Code itself is not legislation, Employment Tribunals take it into account when considering relevant claims, and compensation awards can be increased or reduced by up to 25% where either an employer or employee unreasonably fails to follow its provisions.
The draft Code represents the most substantial review of these procedures for many years and places a much greater emphasis on the early and informal resolution of workplace concerns, encouraging employers and workers to address issues before they escalate into formal disputes. The proposed changes also introduce new expectations around areas such as manager training, reasonable adjustments, mediation, suspension, and the handling of workplace concerns more generally.
Given the practical impact these changes could have on employers, Scottish Engineering believes it is important that the views and experiences of our members are represented. We are keen to understand how the proposals may affect your organisation, whether the new approach is workable in practice, and where there may be unintended consequences or implementation challenges. Our sector’s collective experience can provide valuable insight into how disciplinary and grievance procedures operate in real workplaces and help ensure that any new Code is both effective and practical.
Members can engage with the consultation in one of two ways. You may choose to submit an individual response directly to ACAS if you wish your organisation’s views to be presented independently. Alternatively, if you would prefer support in developing a response, or would like Scottish Engineering to submit views on your behalf, Debbie Wilson and Aimee McCann would be pleased to meet with you to discuss the proposals and gather your feedback.
To allow sufficient time to arrange meetings and prepare responses before the consultation closes, we would ask that you contact us by 11 September 2026 if you would like to participate in a discussion with Debbie and Aimee. We will then arrange meetings with interested members and ensure your views are incorporated ahead of the 23 September 2026 consultation deadline.
If you would like to participate, please reply to this email indicating whether you intend to submit your own response or whether you would like to arrange a meeting with us.
We would strongly encourage members to take part in this consultation. The proposed Code has the potential to influence how workplace disputes are managed across the UK for years to come, and this is an excellent opportunity to ensure the voice of industry is heard. Please find link below for further details.
Acas consultation: draft Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures | Acas
