The latest APSCo legal updates for August 2026.
W/C 3rd August
Acas Consultation - New Draft Code of Practice for Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
Acas has launched a consultation on a draft revised Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, the first full update to the Code since 2009.
The draft Code proposes a number of significant changes, including placing greater emphasis on informal resolution, introducing new requirements for disciplinary and grievance correspondence, strengthening guidance on the use of suspension, and adding new sections covering reasonable adjustments, manager training, and mediation.
The proposed changes also replace references to "employees" with "workers" throughout the Code, broadening its scope, although the statutory power for Employment Tribunals to increase or reduce compensation by up to 25% for failure to follow the Code will continue to apply only in relation to employees.
The consultation closes on 23 September 2026, APSCo members may wish to review the proposals and consider responding where the changes may impact their disciplinary and grievance procedures.
You can access the consultation through our What's New page.
GOV Consultation - Workplace Monitoring Technologies
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has launched a consultation seeking views on the use of workplace monitoring technologies as part of its wider Make Work Pay reforms.
The consultation explores the use of technologies such as CCTV, biometric systems, location tracking, AI-enabled monitoring and productivity monitoring tools. It also considers whether the current legal framework provides sufficient protection for workers while enabling employers to use workplace monitoring where appropriate.
The consultation forms part of the Government's wider programme of employment law reform and reflects the increasing use of technology and artificial intelligence in the workplace.
The consultation closes on 26 September 2026, APSCo members may wish to review the proposals and consider responding where workplace monitoring technologies form part of their business operations.
You can access the consultation through our What's New page.