A grievance is a complaint or concern that is raised by a worker to their employer. The law requires employers to investigate grievances fairly, promptly and in accordance with the guidance set out in the Acas Code of Practice.
Grievances can cover a variety of concerns, but often relate to:
- Working conditions
- Bullying and harassment
- Changes to terms and conditions of employment.
Dealing with grievances can be time consuming and stressful for business owners and their senior managers. The law surrounding grievances is complex and failure to follow the correct procedures can result in further issues for the business. Farleys’ employment law solicitors can provide you with the straight forward advice you need and guide you through the process, freeing up the time of you and your fellow management team.
Dealing with Grievances
It is sensible to address any issues in the workplace as soon as they arise as this can avoid more serious problems at a later date. Failing to handle an employee’s grievance properly can have a detrimental impact on a business and may result in low workplace morale. In such situations, further grievances may be raised by other members of staff and ultimately a mishandled grievance can lead to an employee issuing a claim in the employment tribunal.
Farleys’ specialist employment solicitors can assist businesses with the following:
- Preparing a grievance procedure for you to follow to make sure that grievances are dealt with in accordance with the law
- Reviewing and updating any existing grievance procedure
- Providing support and assistance to enable you to conduct a grievance investigation and chair any grievance meetings including grievance hearing and grievance appeal hearing
- Preparing any necessary documents as part of the grievance procedure including letters, investigation reports and grievance outcome letter
- Holding the grievance and appeal meetings if you do not wish to chair them yourselves
- Advising you on how to achieve the best outcome regarding the grievance process, particularly where an employee has raised a complaint about another employee
- Workplace mediation
Grievance Procedures
In addition to handling a grievance that has already been raised, the team at Farleys can help you to prepare and put in place a grievance procedure that will help ensure grievances are dealt with in accordance with the law. Having a clear, legally compliant, written grievance procedure in place can help a business’ defence in the event of a claim.
