Grievance at Work: What it is and how to raise it properly
If something feels wrong at work, you should not ignore it. A grievance at work is your formal way of raising concerns and getting them addressed before the situation worsens.
This guide explains exactly what counts as a grievance at work, how to act quickly, and what steps you should take right now.
What is a grievance at work
A grievance at work is a concern, problem, or complaint that an employee raises with their employer.
This could relate to:
- Bullying or harassment
- Unfair treatment or discrimination
- Unsafe working conditions
- Pay issues or unpaid wages
- Changes to your role without agreement
- Conflict or a grievance against a colleague
If you are asking yourself “what is a grievance at work?” — the simple answer is this:
If something at work is affecting you negatively and your employer has not resolved it informally, it becomes a grievance.
What counts as a grievance at work
Understanding what counts as a grievance at work is important because not every issue needs to go straight to a formal process.
However, the following situations usually qualify as an employee grievance:
- Being treated differently to others without reason
- Ongoing workplace conflict
- A grievance against a colleague that is not being addressed
- Health and safety concerns being ignored
- Unreasonable workload or pressure
- Breach of your employment terms
If the issue is persistent, serious, or impacting your wellbeing, you should consider raising a grievance formally.
Reasons to file a Grievance at work
Workers often delay taking action, but there are clear reasons to file a grievance at work:
- To create an official record of the issue
- To protect your position if the situation escalates
- To give your employer the opportunity to resolve the problem
- To show that you acted reasonably
Taking early action is critical. Waiting too long can make issues harder to prove and resolve.
How to raise a grievance at work: step by step
If you are unsure how to raise a grievance at work, follow these clear steps:
Step 1: try to resolve it informally
Where possible, speak to your manager or supervisor first. Many workplace issues can be resolved quickly at this stage.
Step 2: gather evidence
Keep records of:
- Emails or messages
- Dates and times of incidents
- Witnesses
- Notes of conversations
This will support your case if you need to escalate.
Step 3: submit a formal grievance
If informal action does not work, you should begin the formal grievance procedure.
Write a clear grievance letter including:
- What happened
- When it happened
- Who was involved
- How it has affected you
- What outcome you want
Step 4: attend a grievance meeting
Your employer should arrange a meeting to discuss your grievance. Be prepared to explain your concerns clearly and provide evidence.
Step 5: receive an outcome
Your employer must provide a decision. If you disagree, you have the right to appeal.
Formal grievance procedure explained
A formal grievance procedure is the structured process your employer must follow when handling complaints.
In the UK, this typically includes:
- Written complaint submitted by the employee
- A formal meeting to discuss the grievance
- Investigation of the issue
- A written outcome
- The right to appeal
Employers are expected to follow fair procedures in line with guidance from organisations such as ACAS.
If they fail to do so, it may strengthen your position if the matter escalates further.
Raising a Grievance against a Colleague
Raising a grievance against a colleague can feel difficult, but it is sometimes necessary.
Common examples include:
- Bullying or intimidation
- Harassment or inappropriate behaviour
- Ongoing conflict affecting your work
When dealing with a grievance against a colleague:
- Stick to facts, not opinions
- Provide clear examples
- Avoid emotional language
- Focus on how the behaviour impacts your work
Your employer has a responsibility to investigate fairly and take appropriate action.
Grievance in work: what to do if nothing changes
If you have raised a grievance in work and nothing improves, you still have options.
You can:
- Appeal the decision internally
- Raise further evidence
- Seek external guidance on your situation
The key point is this: do not leave the issue unresolved if it continues to affect you.
Immediate action checklist
If you are dealing with a grievance at work right now, take these steps:
- Write down what has happened today
- Gather any supporting evidence
- Check your workplace grievance procedure
- Decide whether informal or formal action is needed
- Act quickly before the situation escalates
How The Workers Union supports you
At The Workers Union, we focus on helping UK workers take clear, practical steps when issues arise at work.
If you are unsure how to proceed:
- We can help you structure your grievance
- We can guide you through the formal grievance procedure
- We can ensure your concerns are clearly presented
Workplace problems rarely resolve themselves. Acting early, with the right support, gives you the strongest position.
Frequently Asked Questions
A grievance is a formal complaint about a workplace issue that affects you and has not been resolved informally.
You start by submitting a written complaint to your employer outlining the issue and desired outcome.
Yes. If a colleague’s behaviour is affecting your work, you can raise a formal grievance against them.
Your employer should investigate, hold a meeting, and provide a written outcome with the option to appeal.
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