Guides › Work and Employment › How to Raise a Grievance at Work
How to Raise A Grievance at Work
A grievance is a formal complaint to your employer. Try raising the problem informally first. If that does not work, put your grievance in writing, sticking to the facts and saying what you want to happen. Your employer should hold a meeting, where you can bring a colleague or trade union representative, then give you a written decision and a chance to appeal.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Steps
Informal First
Raise the issue with your manager first if you can. If the grievance is about your manager, raise it with the person or department your employer names. source
In Writing
For a formal grievance, write to your employer sticking to the facts. source
Meeting and Decision
Your employer should hold a meeting, usually within a few working days in the Acas example, where you can be accompanied. The decision should be given in writing. source
Appeal
If you are unhappy with the decision, you can appeal, normally to a more senior manager. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 6 monthsTribunal clock keeps runningA grievance does not pause it
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Write down what happened, with dates and witnesses.
Step 2 of 5
Say clearly what you want to happen.
Step 3 of 5
Send it to the right person and keep a copy.
Step 4 of 5
Bring a companion to the meeting.
Step 5 of 5
Appeal in writing if you disagree with the outcome.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Acas Helpline
Free and confidential. 0300 123 1100, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Citizens Advice or Your Trade Union
Free help to check your case and work out what you are owed.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
If a tribunal claim is possible, watch the time limit while the grievance goes on.
Rules here are for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own employment law, the Labour Relations Agency and industrial tribunals; see nidirect.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- acas.org.uk/example-discipline-and-grievance-procedures/grievance-procedure-template Checked 15 October 2026
- acas.org.uk/contact Checked 8 October 2026