Finance | Jane Klauber | 29 Jun 2009

There's a new ACAS code for disciplinary and grievance procedures and a 25 per cent penalty for not complying, says Jane Klauber.

The much criticised statutory dismissal and grievance procedures were abolished on 6 April 2009. In their place Tribunals will have regard to a new ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures and awards of compensation may be increased or decreased by up to 25 per cent if either party unreasonably fails to comply with the Code. However breach of the provisions of the Code by the employer will no longer lead to findings of automatic unfair dismissal which was the case under the statutory dismissal procedure.