| How to Survive Disciplinary Meetings
You should be prepared for the worst outcome possible if you are asked to attend a disciplinary meeting at work. And you should gather as much evidence as possible.
Not all disciplinary meetings end in dismissal, but many do. And the main reasons for dismissal usually fall into one of the following two categories: Conduct, and Capability.
Conduct
Poor conduct at work includes things such as refusing to obey instruction, ignoring health and safety rules, and being under the influence of drugs, or alcohol at work.
Capability
Capability includes poor performance on one or more occasions, ill health, or inability to carry out your work.
You should check your employment handbook, as your employer will have their own guidelines as to what is acceptable and unacceptable at work. And the handbook should clearly state what behaviours may lead to disciplinary action. There should also be guidelines as to what is considered to be Gross Misconduct.
A representative, or colleague can attend the meeting with you for support and to take notes, but they are not allowed to answer questions on your behalf. If they are unable to attend on the date of the meeting, you should make a request in writing, for the meeting to be rescheduled. |
