Flawed workplace disciplinary hearings are costing the UK economy an estimated £28.5 billion a year and represent a serious public health threat, according to the UK Faculty of Public Health (FPH).
The standard-setting body for public health specialists argues that poorly conducted investigations cause significant harm to employees, their colleagues, and their organizations, leading to burnout, dismissals, and resignations. Research by the conciliation service Acas indicates UK employers conduct about 1.7 million disciplinary cases annually.
"This is more than an organisational concern: it is a UK workforce issue with clear public health implications," the FPH stated. The consequences include damage to wellbeing, loss of trust, avoidable sickness absence, and undermined staff morale.
The issue gained tragic prominence with the case of Chloe Moffat, a 26-year-old personal assistant at the UK Treasury, who died by suicide after undergoing disciplinary proceedings based on an anonymous complaint. A coroner's court heard she was distressed and not informed her job was not at risk. The Treasury is implementing new procedures as a result.
The FPH recommends treating disciplinary investigations as a last resort, guided by the principle of "avoidable employee harm." This approach, pioneered by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in Wales, reduced investigations by 71% and saved over £700,000 annually.
Niall Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Acas, said, "Trying to resolve matters informally first will usually be the best approach and benefit everyone involved."