The Employment Act 2002 brought in a new set of procedures, in October 2004, to assist employers & employee's to resolve issues at an early stage to avoid ending up in a tribunal.

The statutory procedures, covering disciplinary and grievance procedures have been repealed as of 6th April 2009.

These statutory procedures ensured that where an employee were subject to a disciplinary or an employee raised a grievance a through process was exhausted before action was taken through a tribunal. 

Normally you will find the procedures your company follows in your "Contract of Employment" and/or "Staff Handbook".

If you want to find out more from the acas website by clicking here. There is more information available from external websites such as www.disputeresolution.co.uk or Eversheds LLP (article 1, article 2).