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Yes. You have the right to choose who accompanies you to meetings with management. 

Under the Employment Relations Act 1999, all workers have the right to be accompanied at a disciplinary or grievance hearing by a trade union representative or a fellow worker. 

The companion can be: 

  • a paid official of a trade union (regardless of whether the union is recognised or has other members in the workplace); 
  • a lay trade union official certified for this role by their union, who has experience of, or training in, acting as a worker's companion at disciplinary or grievance hearings; or 
  • a fellow worker. 

It is up to you who you choose to accompany you, so long as they fall into one of the above categories. 

You will find more information about the right to be accompanied in the Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures (PDF, 167KB) outlines best practice which should be followed by your employer.

Note: This content is provided as general background information and should not be taken as legal advice or financial advice for your particular situation. Make sure to get individual advice on your case from your union, a source on our free help page or an independent financial advisor before taking any action.
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