Should your discipline policy include a verbal warning?

The current Acas Code (the Code) of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedure does not include the requirement to include a verbal warning. (Employment tribunals will take the Code into account when considering relevant cases.)

The Code along with the associated guidance does not explicitly refer to informal verbal warnings, it does, however, advise that matters of minor misconduct or unsatisfactory performance can be dealt with informally by having “a quiet word”.

Informal verbal warnings can be successful in managing a first offense and will often result in the employee making the required improvements. If, however, the employee fails to improve, and the issue is not considered a matter that should be progressed in accordance with the organisation’s capability policy, the manager would need to consider formal action.