Raising a Grievance Procedure

What are Employee Grievances?

Employee grievances are formal complaints raised by employees regarding workplace issues, such as concerns about working conditions, interpersonal conflicts or perceived unfair treatment. Properly addressing grievances is essential for maintaining a positive work environment and to minimise legal risks. A clear, well-structured grievance process not only helps resolve issues fairly but also protects your organisation from potential legal challenges.

Risks of Mishandling Employee Grievances

Failing to manage employee grievances effectively can expose your organisation to significant risks. If an employee feels their grievance was not handled fairly or was ignored, they may pursue legal action against the organisation. Common claims arising from poorly managed grievances include unfair dismissal, constructive unfair dismissal, discrimination, harassment, and breach of contract. These claims can result in costly litigation, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

Employer Responsibilities in Managing Grievances

1. Develop a Grievance Policy: Create a clear, accessible policy outlining the process for raising and addressing employee complaints.
2. Handle Grievances Promptly: Acknowledge and act on complaints quickly to prevent escalation and demonstrate commitment to resolving issues.
3. Conduct Fair Investigations: Ensure impartial, thorough investigations to reach a fair resolution based on the facts.
4. Communicate Transparently: Keep the employee informed throughout the process to maintain trust and transparency.
5. Take Appropriate Action: Address grievances with actions that align with company policies.
6. Prevent Retaliation: Protect employees from any form of retaliation for raising grievances.
7. Provide Training: Equip managers and HR teams with the knowledge to handle grievances effectively and legally.

How We Can Help

At Dutton Gregory, we offer expert legal services to help employers manage employee grievances effectively and in compliance with the law, minimising the risks to your organisation.

Policy Development and Review

We can assist in drafting or reviewing your grievance policies to ensure they are clear, legally compliant, and tailored to your organisation’s needs. A well-drafted policy is your first line of defence against grievances escalating into legal disputes.

Handling Grievances

Our legal team can guide you through the grievance process, from the initial complaint to resolution. We ensure that investigations are conducted fairly and that outcomes are just and legally sound, reducing the risk of future claims.

Training and Support

We provide training sessions for your management and HR teams on best practices for managing grievances. Our training helps prevent common pitfalls and ensures that your team is equipped to handle complaints professionally and legally.

Legal Representation

If a grievance escalates to a legal claim, our experienced solicitors are ready to defend your organisation.