Suspension letter template
A suspension letter confirms in writing that an employee has been suspended on their usual pay while an allegation against them is investigated. It sets out the allegations, the other working arrangements that were considered first, when the suspension started and how long it may last, what the employee must and must not do, and who their point of contact is. Employers send one whenever a suspension is needed, with the employee, the allegations and the dates changing each time.
Adapted from Acas (10 June 2025). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
What changes each time
14 values. Everything else is your wording, kept exactly.
The employee
- Employee
- Home address
- Post and department
The suspension
- Allegations, one bullet each
- Changes considered first, one bullet each
- Why they were not enough
- When it started
- Longest it may last
- When to be contactable
Contact and support
- Point of contact
- Contact telephone
- Support available
- Signed by
- Recorded delivery
The rules it usually needs
Written in plain English when the template is set up.
- Once for each item
“One bullet for each allegation.”
The incident report raised two concerns, so the letter lists two allegations.
- Once for each item
“One bullet for each change to working arrangements considered before suspending.”
The report considered removing system access and a move to another team, so both are listed before the reason they were not enough.
One worked example, start to finish
The suspension letter in DocuWeave, from upload to approval.
1The document uploaded
Acas's suspension during an investigation letter, a Word file, uploaded as it is.
- 2
The template it became
It found 16 sections and 21 values, and asked 4 questions before publishing. The allegations and the alternatives considered became lists.
3The paperwork dropped in
The finance manager's incident report and her email confirming the suspension.
4What was found, with sources
18 of 18 values filled from the paperwork, each with the passage it came from.
5What it asked
2 things for a person: the wording of the allegations and the reason alternatives were not enough.
6The approved output
Approved, with Word and PDF downloads.
A free suspension letter to download
- Suspension letter, filled with fictional details (Word)
- Suspension letter, filled with fictional details (PDF)
Use it as it is, or upload it to DocuWeave and make it a template.
DocuWeave is not a law firm. A general template for common situations in England and Wales. It is not tailored to you and we do not update it when the law changes, so check it suits your situation before you use it. Terms.
Adapted from Acas (10 June 2025). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Questions people ask
Is suspension a disciplinary sanction?
No. Suspension while an allegation is investigated is not disciplinary action, and the letter says so. No decision has been reached.
Should a suspended employee be paid?
Suspension during an investigation is normally on full, usual pay. This letter confirms suspension on the employee's usual pay.
Should alternatives to suspension be considered?
Acas advises considering alternatives first, such as a change of duties, shifts or site. The letter records the ones considered and why they were not appropriate.
How long should a suspension last?
As short as possible. The letter gives the longest it may last and says it will be reviewed and may be extended or ended.
Can a suspended employee contact colleagues?
The letter asks them not to discuss the investigation with colleagues and to stay available for contact during the agreed hours.
Use this template
It opens in DocuWeave as a template you can check, change and publish. Nothing is used until you do.