How To Make A Complaint In The Workplace

Step 1: Act immediately

Deal with any complaint or grievance as soon as it surfaces. Delaying action may make matters worse, can lead to stress and may diminish your chances of success in getting the complaint upheld.

Step 2: First contact

Discuss the matter with your immediate boss or line manager. You may find that it can be dealt with easily, saving you time and stress.

Step 3: Grievance procedure

If the problem cannot be resolved make yourself familiar with your work place's procedure for dealing with grievances. You should, at the very least, be aware of the standard statutory grievance procedure, which affects most employers in the UK.

Raise a formal complaint with your manager in writing. Keep a copy of this for your records.

Your employer must respond to your complaint by inviting you to a meeting to discuss the matter. You are allowed to bring a companion to the meeting, this can be a colleague, or if you are a member of a trade union, a union official. During the meeting you will be given time to outline the grounds for your complaint and say how you think it should be settled.

After the meeting the employer must respond in writing to the complaint. 5 days is a general guideline for an adequate amount of time for an employer to respond.

If you are not satisfied with your employer's response you have the right to appeal. An appeal meeting will follow, preferably with a more senior manager. Again, you have the right to be accompanied in the meeting. As before all communication between you and your employers must be formalised in writing. Keep a copy of each letter for your records.

Step 4: Employment tribunal

If you feel the outcome of the appeal is still unjust you can make a claim to an employment tribunal. This is similar to taking the matter to court and can be expensive. Whatever the circumstances, employment tribunals can only deal with the matter 28 days after your first formal written complaint.

Step 5: Advice

It is preferable to get independent advice if you feel you have been treated unjustly at work. The employment relations service, ACAS, can help you and your employer reach an agreement without having to make a complaint to a tribunal. They can be contacted at anytime during the grievance procedure. Other organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or, if you are a member, a Trade Union will also offer confidential advice.

The sooner you seek advice the more likely the problem will be resolved quickly and easily, restoring your workplace to the happy environment it was before.