Dealing with Workplace Issues: Grievances, Complaints, and Your Rights

Workplace problems happen — from disputes with managers to unsafe conditions to unfair treatment. Knowing the proper channels and your legal rights helps you resolve issues effectively.

Step 1: Raise It Informally

Most issues can be resolved through a conversation:

• Speak to your line manager or supervisor first
• Be specific about what the problem is and what outcome you want
• Keep a written record of what was discussed and any agreements
• If you are an agency worker, also inform your agency consultant

Step 2: Formal Grievance

If informal resolution fails, you can raise a formal grievance:

1. Put your complaint in writing to your employer (or agency)
2. Your employer must hold a grievance meeting within a reasonable timeframe
3. You have the right to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative
4. Your employer must respond in writing with their decision
5. You have the right to appeal if you disagree with the outcome

Agency Worker-Specific Issues

As an agency worker, your situation is slightly different:

• Pay issues: raise with your agency (they are your employer for pay purposes)
• Working conditions on site: raise with the client's management AND your agency
• End of assignment: clients can end an assignment at any time, but cannot do so for discriminatory reasons
• AWR breaches: if you believe your 12-week equal treatment rights are being violated, raise it with your agency first, then ACAS if unresolved

Unfair Dismissal

To claim unfair dismissal, you generally need 2 years of continuous employment. However, some dismissals are automatically unfair regardless of length of service:

• Dismissal for asserting a statutory right (e.g., holiday pay)
• Dismissal related to pregnancy or maternity
• Dismissal for trade union membership or activities
• Dismissal for whistleblowing

Whistleblowing

If you witness illegal activity, danger to health and safety, or environmental damage at work, you are protected by law if you report it. Whistleblowing protections cover agency workers as well as permanent employees. Report to your employer first; if that is not appropriate, you can go directly to a prescribed body (HSE, Environment Agency, etc.).

ACAS

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides free, impartial advice on workplace disputes. Their helpline is 0300 123 1100, available Monday to Friday. Before making an employment tribunal claim, you must notify ACAS through their Early Conciliation process — they will try to resolve the dispute without the need for a tribunal.