Hi. I recently received a verbal warning for being absent from work for 5 sepereate occassions in a 26 week period.

Two of the occassions were placed on record as dependents leave by my manager and approved by the people manager.

Upon returning to work after the fifth absence I was given a back to work interview then an investigation which forwarded my case for disciplinary. In the hearing I was asked to explain 5 cases of absence, which I did, clearly indicating the 2 occassions of dependents leave. I was given a verbal warning on December 18th and at the subsequent one and only appeal on January 11th I was told that the verbal warning would stand.

However I found out after the appeal hearing that the company had no right to include the 2 occassions of dependents leave and discipline me for them. I tried to discuss the matter with the people manager and said they had broke the law by including the DL as it was time off I was legally allowed to take. I was told I had my appeal and she would not discuss it any further. Surely she must know that what they have done is wrong as well as the store manager and my line manager.

Is there any way forward to pursue this as I am still not happy I have had DL included in a disciplinary.

A verbal warning on my file also affects entitlement to any bonus payment for next year which I dont think is fair either in my circumstances.

Any help would be gratefully received.
Anthony Bradshaw