Associate Handbook 2018

Notes

At meetings and hearings held under this policy, a note will be taken of matters discussed. Such notes will not be verbatim but will set out the matters discussed. Associates may be sent a copy of the note for agreement. If the Associate does not agree with the content of the note they should clearly indicate which parts of the note they disagree with and why.

Stage One - Formal Verbal Warning

Managers will inform Associates that their performance or conduct does not meet the Company’s expected standards and explain the reasons for this. They will also explain the improvements expected and the timescale in which these improvements should be achieved. Repeated occurrences or a failure to improve to a satisfactory standard may lead to the next stages of the disciplinary procedure being implemented.

The Associate will be advised in writing of the reason for the warning, that it constitutes the first step of the disciplinary procedure and their right of appeal.

Any warnings issued under this stage of the disciplinary procedure will normally remain active for 6 months but will be spent after that time subject to satisfactory conduct and performance.

A copy of the formal warning will be placed on the Associate’s personnel file and removed after the warning has expired.

Stage Two - First Written Warning

A formal written warning may be given where a previous verbal warning has not resulted in the required improvement in performance or conduct or behaviour, or where the breach of rules or procedure is deemed serious enough to warrant a written warning. Associates will be advised by their Manager of the reasons for this warning, a summary of the incident or circumstances relating to the warning and any improvements necessary with an indicated timescale. The consequences of a failure to meet these improvement objectives will also be explained. The right of appeal will be set out. Any warnings issued under this stage of the disciplinary procedure will normally remain active for 9 months but will be spent after that time subject to satisfactory conduct and performance.

A copy of the formal written warning will be placed on an Associate’s personnel file and removed after the warning has expired.

Stage Three - Final Written Warning

A repeated occurrence, a continuing situation, or a serious breach of expected standards of conduct will result in a final written warning being given. Again, Associates will be informed of the circumstances leading to the warning and any necessary improvements they must make. The duration of the warning and consequences of the failure to heed this warning will also be explained. In most circumstances this will result in dismissal. The right of appeal will be set out.

A warning issued under this stage of the disciplinary procedure will normally remain active for 12 months (although in exceptional cases this may be longer in which case the employee