What a grievance is
A grievance is a concern, problem or complaint you raise with your employer. It could be about how you're treated, your pay, your workload, bullying, discrimination or a change to your job. Most employers have a grievance policy, so start by finding yours in your handbook or intranet.
Try an informal chat first
Many problems can be sorted out with a calm conversation with your manager, or with someone else if the problem is your manager. It's quicker, and it's often enough. If it doesn't work, or the issue is serious, you can go straight to a formal grievance.
Putting it in writing
- Say it's a formal grievance. Use those words so there's no doubt.
- Explain what happened. Keep to the facts, with dates, times and who was involved.
- Say how it has affected you.
- Say what you'd like to happen. For example, an apology, a change in how work is shared, or training.
- Keep a copy and note the date you sent it.
The grievance meeting
Your employer should invite you to a meeting without unreasonable delay. You have a legal right to bring a colleague or a trade union representative to a formal grievance meeting. If they can't make the date, you can usually suggest another time within five working days. Prepare your notes and any evidence, such as emails or a diary of events.
The outcome and appeal
Your employer should tell you the decision in writing. If you're not happy with it, you can appeal, usually within a set number of days. Explain why you disagree.
If it isn't resolved
The Acas Code of Practice sets out how grievances should be handled. If a case reaches an employment tribunal, either side's award can be adjusted if they unreasonably failed to follow the Code. Before most tribunal claims you must contact Acas for early conciliation. Time limits are short. For most claims it has been three months less one day, and the Employment Rights Act 2025 is extending this to six months, so check which limit applies to your dates and get advice early.
Where this applies. Northern Ireland has its own procedures. Check nidirect or the Labour Relations Agency.
Common questions
Can I bring someone to a grievance meeting?
Yes. You have a legal right to be accompanied at a formal grievance meeting by a colleague or a trade union representative.
Does raising a grievance stop the tribunal time limit?
No. The time limit keeps running while your grievance is dealt with, so get advice early if you're thinking about a claim.
What if my grievance is about my manager?
Raise it with their manager or with HR instead. Your grievance policy should say who to go to.
References: Acas, Raising a grievance at work; Acas, Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures; GOV.UK, Solve a workplace dispute.