WRITTEN WARNINGS
Written warnings may be given with or without a disciplinary hearing being held. Employees normally indicate on the letter of warning whether it is a first. second or final written warning depending on the number of previous warnings given and/or the severity of the alleged offence. An employee can appeal against a final written warning and the employer can hold an enquiry if the employer believes that it is only on hearing evidence that the outcome can be determined.
When receiving/ issuing a letter of warning the following should be remembered:
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Written warnings will remain valid for 3 to 6 months.
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Final written warnings will remain valid for 12 months.
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A warning for one type of contravention is not applicable to another type of offence. In other words, a first written warning for late-coming could not lead to a second written warning for insubordination.
Signing for receipt of a letter of warning
Employees may be requested to sign for receipt of a warning letter and will be given an opportunity to state any objections. Refusal by the employee to sign a warning letter does not make the warning invalid. A witness may be requested to sign the warning notice stating that the employee refused acceptance of the warning.
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