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Grievance procedures factsheet

  • Factsheets
  • Discipline & Grievance

What this factsheet covers

Grievance procedures factsheet summarises the procedure that employers and employees should follow in respect of individual grievances.

Introduction

Employers and employees are advised to follow the guidance set out in the ACAS Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance in respect of any problem, concern or complaint raised by an employee.  A tribunal must take account of the ACAS Code in any matters to which it relates and this is likely to apply to most types of employment claims, including constructive unfair dismissal.

Failure to comply, with this requirement, can also have serious consequences for both parties. Tribunals have the power to adjust awards up or down by up to 25% for failure to follow the ACAS Code.

The following summarises the procedure that employers and employees should follow in respect of individual grievances. It is based on the requirements of the ACAS Code.

Who this is for

HR & people teams

Handle a request confidently and brief line managers with the current legal position.

Owners & directors

Stay compliant without a retained HR function or costly ad-hoc legal advice.

Line & hiring managers

A plain-English reference for day-to-day decisions, checked by employment lawyers.

How to use it

  1. 1Buy once, or open with membershipDownload instantly as a PDF or an editable Word document, depending on the resource — no waiting, no account needed to buy.
  2. 2Adapt it to your organisationDrop in your own policy names, dates and details — the wording is written to be tailored.
  3. 3Share it with confidenceIssue it to managers or employees knowing it reflects the current position under UK employment law.

Disclaimer
Employmentbuddy is not a substitute for seeking individual legal advice. It is a reference tool for its members. Because of the constantly changing nature of employment law, no warranty can be given as to the accuracy of the general information on this site or its applicability to individual circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

What format is the download, and can I edit it?

Depending on the resource, you’ll receive either a print-ready PDF or an editable Microsoft Word version. The Word file is designed to be tailored—add your organisation’s name, policies, and dates before you issue it.

Do I need a membership to buy a single resource?

No. You can buy any single resource as a one-off purchase. Membership simply gives you unlimited access to the full collection plus HR Helpline support.

Is the content kept up to date with UK employment law?

Yes. Our resources are prepared and reviewed by the Clarkslegal employment law team and updated as the law changes.

Can I share it across my team?

Yes. Once purchased, you can use and share the document within your own organisation.

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