Grievance process

The grievance process explained

Once you have tried raising a matter verbally or informally in writing, and there is still no resolution, then it is time to consider submitting a formal written grievance. Taking this serious step may mean that you have already decided to leave your job. Or perhaps you just want to record the fact that you have been mistreated.

The difference between submitting a formal grievance and an informal email may be quite a small difference on paper they would both set out your complaint but there is a big difference in practice. This is because the ACAS code sets out a procedure which employers should follow upon receipt of a grievance letter. It goes a little something like this:-

1. Grievance Letter: Submit your written grievance (see our grievance writing page)
2. Meeting: You will be invited to a meeting, and given the chance to bring a colleague or a union rep. This is supposed to happen a reasonable length of time after the grievance letter is submitted. If your employer is delaying, then send them an email reminding them of their duty under the ACAS code.This will probably be attended by a manager and an HR person who will take notes.You should make sure that you take your own notes, in as much detail as possible, or preferably your colleague could take notes. As soon as possible after the meeting, type your notes up, adding any detail which you remember.Then send a copy of your notes to your employer s HR person inviting them to comment.Anything which is not written down will inevitably become lost in the sands of time and by the time you reach a tribunal hearing both sides will have completely different recollections of what was said at any given meeting. This advice applies to any type of meeting.
3. Outcome Letter: They will send you an outcome letter (99% of the time this will dismiss your grievance). Again, this should be a reasonable amount of time after the meeting.This letter should outline your right to appeal. It is supposed to set out why your grievance was not upheld. This has the advantage of committing your employer to state their reasons for making your life hell at an early stage, so later on they cant change their story too much.
4. Grievance Appeal Letter: You can normally appeal to higher management / a different boss (so long as your company is big enough). This grievance appeal letter is similar to the initial grievance letter, but is your chance to comment on the Outcome letter
5. Grievance appeal meeting: see point 2. above
6. Grievance appeal outcome: see point 3. above
7. Next steps: Issue tribunal proceedings on form ET1

There are several advantages of engaging in the grievance process rather than just resigning

1. Chance for your employer to suggest a compromise agreement: during the grievance process is the perfect opportunity for your employer to offer you a compromise agreement. They will be forced to think about your case at the time, and will not want to spend unnecessary hours doing unproductive grievance hearings. In addition, they probably don t really want employees who put in grievances as it could affect the rest of the work force. What better timing for them than to offer you a compromise agreement?
2. Setting the record straight: when the letters go back and forth, it makes both sides think about exactly what has happened and set out their explanation for it. So your employer will have to nail their colours to the mast. This could prove very useful later on in the tribunal itself. It also gives you the formal opportunity to have your questions answered in writing rather than being fobbed off in endless meetings.
3. Compensation: if you do go to tribunal and win, the tribunal can award you additional compensation if your employer has failed to follow the grievance process. Similarly, if you have failed to follow it then your compensation can be reduced. The range of possible adjustment is 0-25%.
4. Procedural unfair dismissal: if you are dismissed, it will help you to prove a claim for unfair dismissal if you can show that the proper procedure was not followed, so by doing this now you are helping yourself later on. The better the chance you have at tribunal, the more likely it is that you will be offered a decent compromise agreement (whether or not you actually have any intention of going to tribunal).

You might want to get a rough idea of the value of your case by filling in the Compromise Calculator. Also think about getting some representation – have a look at the Employee Experiences to see how others in your situation were helped on their journey. If you want to get help with the grievance process or any other compromise agreement query, including how to get representation at no up front cost, email us on info@compromiseagree.com, call us 0800 533 5134 or 07758 263970 or send a message in the box to the bottom right.Armed with some tailored advice, you will not only know which moves to make and which moves to not even think about, but your employer will suddenly
sit up and take notice.