I don't see how this is a disciplinary dispute though - negotiating new contracts should not cause an employee to be brought in to be disciplined?
I would have thought that it is a hr issue of Either providing the option of redundancy or the 2 parties coming to an agreement on a mutually agreeable contract.
I must agree with the above. It would also be very unusual (and considered by the E.A.T. as unreasonable) if your friend was summonsed to a disciplinary hearing and did not have the reasons for the investigation given to her in advance and in writing (if not in writing, request it to be put in writing).
Your friend is entitled to a reasonable period fo time to prepare for this. How can she prepare if its not obvious what the offence is? Also grill your friend as to her previous conduct and HR record. If this is an "exit strategy" in operation, the company may try and leap to dismissal for gross misconduct which they could possibly get away with if there were previous breaches and if there were written warnings on file. However written warnings usually have a life period ( 6 to 18 months) and after that they cannot be used as a stepping stone for the next disciplinary caution.
Absolutely essential - get a copy of the Disciplinary Procedures policy. Your friend is entitled to it by law. It doesnt need to be a confrontation. Ask for it quietly, respectfully but firmly. It may not be a bad idea to ask for a copy of the contract of employment or "Terms and conditions" of employment as well.
Good luck