What is a grievance?

A grievance is a workplace problem, complaint, or concern.

Informal vs Formal Grievance

• Most grievances can be resolved informally by talking to your line manager.
• If you are not comfortable talking to your line manager or the informal approach doesn’t work, you can raise a formal grievance.

Formal Grievance Procedure

• Raise your grievance in writing, explaining the issue and what you would like to happen.
• You will have a meeting to discuss your grievance.
• If you are not happy with the outcome, you can appeal the decision within 7 days.

Support

• You can be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative to meetings.
• You can request adjustments to the procedure if you have a disability or English is not your first language.

Key Points

• You can find the full policy and grievance form in the Employee Handbook (Section 9).
• The grievance procedure is confidential as far as possible.
• Be respectful throughout the process.
• Deliberately making false complaints can lead to disciplinary action.