Verbal warning for lateness letter template


Our Verbal Warning for Lateness Letter Template addresses lateness concerns promptly, emphasising the importance of punctuality and improvement.
- 1 page / 125 words
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text
- Suitable for worldwide use (but check local legislation)
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Verbal warning for lateness letter
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Notice of Verbal Warning
I refer to our informal meeting of [date].You are aware that your hours of work are [start time] to [end time]. You have repeatedly arrived for work late.
You have previously been advised of your poor time-keeping and
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A Verbal Warning for Lateness Letter Template formally addresses lateness through a verbal warning, documenting the concern and setting expectations.
It informs the employee of the issue, encourages improvement, and fosters open communication. The letter serves as a record for potential further actions.
Use it after an informal chat for persistent lateness, followed by written warnings if needed.
Direction:
Compliance
Compliance
This Verbal warning for lateness letter template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
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Employment Rights Act 1996: Provides guidelines on disciplinary procedures, including the right for employees to be informed verbally of disciplinary action.
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Equality Act 2010: Ensures fair treatment during the disciplinary process, prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics.
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ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures: Offers best practices for handling disciplinary issues and ensures procedural fairness.
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Data Protection Act 2018: Ensures that employee data related to disciplinary matters is handled securely and confidentially.
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Working Time Regulations 1998: Sets rules on maximum working hours and rest breaks, which may be related to lateness issues.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Verbal warning for lateness letter template, to understand the workflow.

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Timings
Timings
Follow these best practice actions to get the most from the Verbal warning for lateness letter template, guiding you before, during, and after implementation:
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Step | Description | Responsibility | Timing |
1 | Monitor and record instances of lateness by the employee. | HR | Ongoing monitoring |
2 | Determine the severity and frequency of lateness. | Supervisor | As lateness accumulates |
3 | Prepare a Verbal Warning for Lateness Letter outlining the concerns. | HR | Before meeting |
4 | Arrange a private meeting with the employee to discuss the lateness issue. | Supervisor | Upon letter preparation |
5 | During the meeting, issue the verbal warning, explain expectations, and provide a copy of the letter. | Supervisor | During the meeting |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Verbal warning for lateness letter template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.