Grievance Letters

Handling workplace disputes can be stressful and risky. Need to Write a Professional Grievance Letter? We Can Help!

What is a Grievance Letter?

A grievance letter is a formal written document that an employee uses to raise concerns, complaints, or issues with their employer or management. This letter serves as a way to articulate specific grievances regarding workplace conditions, treatment, or violations of employment rights

To raise a grievance, an employee should do so formally and without unreasonable delay, addressing it to a manager who is not the subject of the grievance. The grievance should be in writing and clearly state its nature.

How to Draft a Grievance Letter

When drafting a grievance letter, the employee should:

  • Provide as much relevant factual detail as possible.

  • Ensure the information provided is accurate and correct.

  • Set out different aspects of the grievance under separate headings if applicable.

  • Include details of any relevant witnesses who can corroborate facts, if comfortable doing so.

  • Attach any relevant documentation.

The Grievance Letter Template

It's important to bear in mind that the letter may become evidence in a subsequent tribunal claim. If it's unclear whether the employee intends to raise a formal grievance, the employer should seek clarification promptly. Formal grievances should always be in writing, explain the basis of the complaint, and focus on the facts.

While the Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures (Acas Code) implies grievances should be in writing, some past cases have highlighted ambiguities, so clarity is key.