1. Introduction to Grievances

A grievance is when an employee raises a concern or complaint relating to their employment. A grievance could be about anything. It could be about how the Company has acted towards them in some way or to do with their pay, benefits or other remuneration; it could be to do with how they feel they are being treated by their work colleagues, (e.g. they may feel they are being harassed or discriminated against); or it could be to do with the work they are being asked to carry out.

All grievances should be taken seriously and dealt with as soon as possible. Failure to do so can affect relationships and can also give rise to liability and potentially claims (e.g. discrimination, constructive dismissal). It is also important to document any matters around a grievance. If an informal grievance is raised and dealt with informally, you should still make a file note, and it is generally advisable to confirm in writing to the employee what has occurred and any outcome. 

Where a formal grievance is raised you need to follow a clear process and follow your own grievance procedure, see the template grievance procedure and the guidance on managing grievance.

Where the issue relates to relationships with other employees (e.g. a personality clash!), you should consider mediation as an option to resolve the situation. This may be suggested to the employee as part of the grievance process.