Can employees challenge a written warning?

A written warning is a document issued by an employer to an employee indicating that the employee is at risk of dismissal due to unsatisfactory performance or conduct. A warning is often used to support a decision to dismiss and should therefore be treated seriously by employees.

How should a warning be given?

When issuing a warning, employers must identify the relevant aspect of the employee's performance or conduct that is of concern. For example, failure to meet key performance indicators or a significant safety breach.

A warning must make it clear to the employee that their employment is at risk unless their performance or conduct improves. It may contain an action plan with specific targets and a period for the employee to demonstrate an improvement, so it is important to act quickly if you are issued a warning.