When an employee has not met the standards of efficiency required for the position, the supervisor shall so certify in the manner prescribed by the Department and shall recommend that the merit salary adjustment not be granted. In such cases, the adjustment shall not normally be considered again in less than three months. An employee whose merit salary adjustment will not be recommended by the supervisor shall be informed of the reasons for such action before the certification is made by the supervisor. Within 10 days after the employee is informed that the merit salary adjustment will not be recommended, the employee may file a written request with the appointing power for reconsideration under the agency's grievance procedure. The employee may appeal to the Department within 15 days after having exhausted the agency remedy as herein specified. In such appeal the determination of the appointing power to withhold a merit salary adjustment shall be sustained if supported by substantial evidence.