For employees raising a formal workplace grievance about treatment, pay, bullying, discrimination or a breach of contract.
When this letter applies
An informal conversation has failed or is not appropriate, and the employee needs to start the employer's formal grievance procedure in writing.
Legislation cited
ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures
Employment Rights Act 1996
Equality Act 2010 where discrimination is part of the complaint
What the letter contains
A clear statement that this is a formal grievance under the employer's procedure
A dated account of what happened, written from the employee's own circumstances
The legal framework relied on and the outcome sought
A request for a grievance meeting within a reasonable period, with the right to be accompanied
What usually happens after you send it
The employer should invite the employee to a grievance meeting and give a written outcome with a right of appeal. In relevant cases, an employment tribunal can adjust an award by up to 25 per cent for an unreasonable failure to comply with the ACAS Code.