how to write a written warning

[redcrx]

I need to type out a written warning for a member of staff whose time keeping and concentration are terrible.
is there anywhere i can get an idea of how to write it?
Is there a specific way it has to be written to comply with employment law? This is a 2nd written warning but i didnt check that the first was written in the correct manner.

[larkin]

Try ACAS helpline 0845 7474747 - they are really helpful

[Buenchico]

It's unusual for solicitors to give free advice but this firm have put a specimen letter online:
http://www.abneys.co.uk/FreeLetters/EmployeeWa rningLetter.htm

Chris

[horsestache1]

You should have a Company procedure, which you must follow

[sue11]

Just in case you are unaware. You cannot simply give a written warning with no notice to an employee any more!
You have to give 24 hours written notice for any disciplinary action taken against an employee regardless of what type of warning is going to be given. Also the employee is supposed to be given the opportunity to have another person attend the meeting with them for support, although this person cannot contribute in any way. You are supposed to interview the employee and then take a break to decide on the outcome of the meeting. Then you can tell the employee what action will be taken, warning, dismissal etc.
If you do not follow this procedure then the employee will have grounds to bring action against you in the case of any dismissal and they will probably win!
In the case of the letter, you simply have to put what 'offence' they have committed, the outcome of the disciplinary meeting, what you expect from them re their behaviour in the future, what could happen if they do it again and the fact that the warning will remain on their records for a period of how many months you intend it to.
Interestingly, you do not have to follow any of this procedure if the employee has been with you less than a year and you have stated this fact in your contract! So with any employee that is underperforming and has been with me less than a year, it is easier to simply sack them on the spot with no prior warning, which seems very unfair (I don't do this often by the way!).
Hope this has helped, I am just trying to protect you from any possible comebacks.

[redcrx]

Thank you everyone for your help and answers.
I have had a meeting with the person involved and can issue the warning following that. The online letters on both the top 2 suggestions are great.
We have no set company procedures as the company is only 1 member of staff and the rest is family which is why i asked for the advice.
Thank you all