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Common issues
Right to Be Accompanied
Your legal right to have someone with you at disciplinary hearings.
Last updated 21 February 2026
Overview
Under section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999, you have the right to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative to a disciplinary or grievance hearing.
Denying this right can lead to additional compensation in a tribunal.
What you can do
- 01
Check communications
Review invites to see if the right was offered.
- 02
Document refusals
If you asked and were denied, keep a written record.
Next steps
Keep your facts organised and protect your time limits with the tools below.
Start case check