You can bring someone to a hearing at work

You have the right not to attend a disciplinary or grievance hearing alone. It is set out in section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999. The right belongs to workers, not only employees.

When the right applies

If your employer requires or invites you to a disciplinary hearing or a hearing about your grievance, and you reasonably request to be accompanied, the employer must allow it. A reasonable request is enough — you do not have to prove special reasons.

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Who the companion can be

You choose one companion. It can be:

• a trade union official;
• a union official the union has certified in writing as trained or experienced in this role;
• another of the employer's workers (a colleague).

What the companion may do

At the hearing they may put your case, sum it up, respond to views expressed, and confer with you during the hearing. The employer does not have to let the companion answer questions on your behalf — you answer those yourself.

If your companion cannot attend

If your chosen companion is unavailable at the time the employer proposes, you can suggest another reasonable time. If it falls within five working days after the employer's proposed date, the hearing must be postponed to the time you propose.

Source: section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999. Checked 25 October 2026.