Final Written Warning

A final written warning is usually the last stage of the disciplinary procedure before dismissal.  If an employee is given a final written warning for a first offence this is normally because the offence constitutes Gross Misconduct.  The employer could have dismissed but has instead given the employee a second and often final chance.

If the employee has committed an act of misconduct a final written warning often follows a written warning.  There is a common misconception that the warning has to be for the same thing in order to proceed to the next stage of the disciplinary procedure.  This is not the case and the warning can be for a different unrelated offence.