Employment Law

Bringing a Grievance

Susie Al‑Qassab

Partner

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Homa Wilson

Partner

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Neil Emery

Partner

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Natalie Wellock

Solicitor

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Ellen Clabburn

Trainee

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Disputes at work, whether to do with pay, bullying or even discrimination, can have a significant effect on you, your working relationships, your ability to work effectively and your wellbeing.

Raising a grievance can be difficult and stressful. Therefore it’s important you understand the procedure and what your rights are by seeking legal advice. Our employment law solicitors are available for an initial confidential discussion.

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How do I get legal assistance?

Call for a confidential discussion with our expert employment lawyers

Our employment law team will listen to your situation and consider next steps.

Representative

Your case will be allocated to the most appropriate lawyer for your circumstances. Your lawyer will be able to discuss your next steps and advise you on the grievance process.

Funding options

We’ll ensure you’re provided with clear information on costs. You may have the benefit of alternative funding through your legal expenses insurance provider or trade union. If you don’t, we’ll provide clear and upfront cost estimates to ensure you remain in control of your costs at every stage.

“It’s very hard to put into words how thankful I am for your guidance and support through-out the dispute process and of course reaching a good outcome."

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What outcomes can I expect?

Our aim is to guide you through the grievance process as thoroughly and clearly as possible, helping you to pursue an amicable resolution to your complaint. We’ll do our best to ensure you can remain in your role (if this is what you want) and to protect your reputation and career.

The grievance procedure is intended to resolve issues without the need for you to bring claims to the Employment Tribunal or to have to consider leaving your job. If you’re not satisfied with the grievance or appeal outcome, we can advise you as to how to proceed.

When you’re faced with a problem at work, the first step to take is often to seek an informal resolution, for example by having a chat with your manager. If the matter can’t be resolved informally, or your concerns are serious enough to require intervention, you may wish to raise a grievance; a formal complaint about your concerns.

Your employer should have a formal grievance procedure for you to follow. This normally involves putting your complaint in writing, attending a grievance meeting, your concerns being investigated and then receiving an outcome with any recommendations or resolution.

"Natalie went above and beyond to ensure that I received constant support and counsel throughout the negotiation period."

Why choose our specialists?

Compassionate solicitors

Our specialist employment lawyers understand that raising a grievance can be an extreme measure and potentially confrontational step to take in order to resolve a work dispute. That’s why we listen carefully to your issues and take a sensitive approach to make sure you make the right decision for you in the circumstances, and to ensure you set out your position effectively.

Advise you can trust

We can advise you on your employer’s grievance procedure and make sure that you understand the steps you need to take; help you to draft the initial grievance; and assist you to prepare for the grievance meeting. We’ll also ensure you understand the ACAS Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance and help you to ensure compliance with it.

Supportive lawyers

Once you’ve received the outcome, we can analyse this and guide you through the appeal process if necessary. We’ll also inform you of any relevant time limits in relation to potential Employment Tribunal claims arising from your complaint.

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Featured cases

We advised a senior in-house lawyer, who was being bullied and harassed by her line manager

Our client had been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety as a result of the mistreatment she was subjected to at work. We guided her through the grievance process, despite much resistance from her employer. Eventually, the employer agreed to instruct an independent investigator to look into our client’s complaints and the matter was resolved.

We acted for an Associate Professor at a University accused of gross misconduct

Our client had been accused of gross misconduct and threatened with dismissal. We challenged these allegations and discovered evidence that they were, in part, fabricated and that our client was being targeted for whistleblowing. We ensured our client wasn’t dismissed, and raised a grievance, which the employer was forced to uphold. This led to an advantageous compensation package for our client.

Client complaining of sex discrimination gets substantial exit package

A senior director came to us complaining of sex discrimination at work, which was causing her significant stress and having a detrimental impact on her health. We guided her through the grievance and achieved a substantial exit package for her, whilst maintaining relationships and reputations for the good of her long-term career.

“Ms Homa Wilson assisted me with my settlement agreement, in a smooth and stress free manner. I am extremely thankful for the help received!”

Frequently asked questions

I’ve been invited to a grievance meeting. What should I expect?

You should first consult your employer’s grievance procedure to see if this provides you with clear and adequate information about the process.

Generally speaking, the meeting is an opportunity for you to explain your grievance and to show any evidence you have. Your employer may also ask questions to better understand your concerns.

Can someone attend the grievance meeting with me for support?

Yes, you have a statutory right to be accompanied by a Trade Union representative, or by one of your colleagues.

If you’d like someone else to attend, such as a friend or relative, you can ask your employer, but it will be at their discretion as to whether they allow it.

Can I record the grievance meeting?

Yes, but generally only if your employer consents. If they don’t consent to you recording, you or your companion might want to take detailed notes of the meeting. Your employer should also take minutes of the meeting, which you can request a copy of afterwards.

I recently left my job because of an issue with my employer. Can I raise a grievance?

As a rule, yes. However, grievance procedures are intended to resolve disputes with existing employees. Your employer isn’t obliged to engage with the grievance procedure or any appeals process once you’ve left.

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"Both Susie Al-Qassab and Natalie Wellock were both professional and well-informed. They provided good timely advice and were realistic about potential outcomes for my employment matter. I would use them again without doubt. Thanks to you both."

Bringing a Grievance

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