This article is designed to give you some tips on “How to win a grievance hearing as an employee”.
Raising a grievance as an employee is a difficult thing to do – not the actual process, but dealing with it and having a discussion with your employer in a grievance hearing.
There are a lot of different reasons why you might raise a grievance and it’s understandable that if you’re in that situation, you want to win.
First things first, you’ve probably had a conversation with your employer where you’ve highlighted what your issues are. If you’ve done that and you don’t think your situation has been resolved adequately, then you’re probably heading to a grievance hearing.
So you will be wondering now, how long does an employer have to respond to a grievance? Well, your employer should hold your grievance meeting within 4 weeks of you handing in your grievance letter – unless they have a good reason for any delay.
To be connected to a specialist employment solicitor near to where you live, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
How Does The Grievance Process Work?
Once you raise a formal grievance, there’s a formal procedure that all employers should follow.
ACAS sets out a code of practice, although most employers should have their own grievance procedure in place. The procedure should follow the ACAS guidance as a minimum and be in writing AND easy for anyone to find.
There must be an investigation to ensure that all information is brought forward, and employers can bring a relevant person to a grievance meeting.
Any actions arising from the grievance meeting should be taken as soon as possible and the employee must be given the opportunity to appeal against the outcome.
From an employee perspective, you should always raise any grievance as soon as reasonably possible and act on any decisions as soon as you can.
The grievance procedure will work similarly in most cases, and will most likely follow the below structure:
- Raise an informal grievance with your employer to see if you can resolve the issue without any formal action.
- If you’re unable to resolve it, then write to your employer and inform them of your decision to raise a formal grievance, outlining your reasons for doing so (see also ‘How to write a grievance letter).
- You’ll then have a grievance meeting once all evidence has been collated and the investigation has been concluded.
- An outcome will be reached, and you’ll be given the opportunity to appeal any decision if you disagree with it.
- If you still feel that you haven’t reached the outcome you were looking for, you might consider taking the case to an employment tribunal.
So, How Do I Win A Grievance Hearing?
There is no silver bullet when it comes to grievance hearings.
Every case is different, and it will depend on what your circumstances are.
However, there are some things you can do to ensure that you’re giving yourself the best possible opportunity to win your grievance case, such as:
- Ensuring you take a companion to the meeting to record the exchange accurately.
- Not discussing settlement during the initial meeting – this can come later.
- Being calm, honest, polite, and helpful during the meeting.
- Being prepared by reading ALL information and preparing notes on everything you want to cover – you can also bring supporting statements from colleagues if you have them or even send them in advance.
- Take notes during the meeting – this will help to remember all information accurately.
- Seek legal advice prior to your grievance meeting to ensure you’ve got the best advice on your position.
Employment Solicitors Near Me
If you’ve raised a grievance or you’re considering raising a grievance against your employer, it can be hard to know where to start.
There’s good news though – because at Solicitors Near Me, we’re here to help.
We connect you with expert employment solicitors near to where you live for FREE, so you can get expert legal advice to help with whatever your grievance is, as well as the formal process involved.
You’re under no obligation to press ahead with the solicitor we connect you with and until you decide to proceed, everything is completely FREE.
Find An Employment Solicitor Now
To be connected to a specialist employment solicitor near to where you live, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
