When it comes to employment law and worker’s rights, most of us know the basics.
But when something goes wrong, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Raising a grievance is one of those things we all hope we’ll never have to do – but if you do, you want to ensure you’re giving yourself the best chance of winning your grievance process.
And to do that, you want to have all the information you need so you know what you need to do, when you need to do it, how you need to do it, and if there’s anything you SHOULDN’T do.
If you would like to speak with a solicitor about a grievance procedure, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
So, What Is A Grievance Procedure?
Put simply, a grievance procedure is a formal process where an employee can raise an issue or complaint to their employer.
There are several scenarios whereby you might want to raise a grievance, including:
- If you’ve raised a grievance informally but feel it hasn’t had the desired effect.
- If there’s an issue you don’t want to be dealt with informally and want a formal process to determine the outcome.
- If it’s a serious issue such as non-payment, whistleblowing, or harassment.
It generally follows the same process each time as there’s a minimum standard set out by ACAS, although some employers will have their own grievance process which they must make available to you. You can usually find the grievance procedure in your contract of employment or standard procedures guide or book.
What Amounts To A Grievance?
A grievance may relate to terms and conditions in your employment contract, things you’ve been asked to do as part of your role, the way you’ve been treated, or even if you’ve experienced bullying or discrimination at work.
If you feel like you’ve been discriminated against because of protected characteristics or beliefs (sex, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief) then this usually amounts to a serious discrimination case and should be treated with careful consideration by your employer.
The formal grievance procedure should work as follows:
- You raise an informal grievance with your employer to see if you can resolve the issue without any formal action.
- If you’re unable to resolve it, then write to your employer and inform them of your decision to raise a formal grievance, outlining your reasons for doing so.
- You’ll then have a grievance meeting once all evidence has been collated and the investigation has been concluded.
- An outcome will be reached, and you’ll be given the opportunity to appeal any decision if you disagree with it.
- If you still feel that you haven’t reached the outcome you were looking for, you might consider taking the case to an employment tribunal.
Employment Solicitors Near Me
If you’re considering raising a grievance or feel like you might need to raise a grievance against your employer, it can be hard to know where to start.
It’s probably a difficult time personally and you might be unsure whether you should proceed or not.
And that’s where Solicitors Near Me can help.
We connect you with expert employment solicitors near you for FREE so that you can get the help and advice you need with your grievance procedure – whether you’re in the process, considering it, or unsure what your best option is.
You’re under no obligation to press ahead with the solicitor we connect you with and until you decide to proceed, everything is completely FREE.
Find An Employment Solicitor Now
To be connected to a specialist employment solicitor near to where you live, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
