Grievances in the workplace refer to any complaints or issues that employees have with their employer or colleagues. In the UK, there are laws and regulations in place to protect employees and ensure that their grievances are heard and resolved fairly.
The first step in resolving a grievance is to raise it with your employer. This can be done informally, such as by speaking with your supervisor or manager, or formally, by submitting a written grievance. Your employer should then investigate the complaint and provide a response within a reasonable time frame.
If the grievance is not resolved informally, the employee has the right to request a formal grievance hearing. The hearing should be conducted by a neutral party, such as a human resources representative, and the employee should be given the opportunity to present their case and provide evidence. The employer should also be given the opportunity to respond and present their own evidence.
Employers in the UK have a legal obligation to have in place a grievance procedure that is accessible to all employees. The procedure should be clearly communicated to all employees, and employers should ensure that employees are aware of their rights to raise a grievance and the process for doing so.
If the grievance is not resolved through the internal grievance procedure, the employee may have the right to escalate the matter to an employment tribunal. This is a legal process, and it's recommended to seek legal advice before proceeding.
It's important to note that employees also have the right to raise a grievance related to discrimination, harassment or victimisation at work, and employers are under a legal obligation to investigate and resolve them.
Grievances in the workplace can be stressful and difficult for both employees and employers. However, by following the appropriate procedures and seeking legal advice if necessary, employees can ensure that their grievances are heard and resolved fairly. Employers also have a responsibility to create a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable raising grievances, and where grievances are handled in a fair and timely manner.
If you feel you have a grievance at work, contact our inhouse Employment Law Specialist for a FREE consultation.