A common topic that is consistently put to employment lawyers, both by employers and employees, is who can attend a disciplinary or grievance hearing as an employee companion?

This question is generally then followed by a description of an unusual request for an employee’s neighbour, mother, long-lost cousin or dog-walker to accompany them to their hearing. An employer is free to concede to such requests if they are ‘reasonable’ and most commonly where it is likely to aid in the smooth running of the hearing.