Your Issue
I am extremely unhappy with an issue at work and I believe that my line manager is not taking my complaint seriously. I am considering putting my complaint in writing. What will happen if I do this?
Our Answer
Once your complaint is in writing the company must recognise this as being a formal grievance. However, you should in almost all cases raise the matter verbally with your line manager before raising a formal grievance. All companies must have written grievance and disciplinary procedures and these will be outlined in the staff handbook.
Your employer must arrange as meeting at an appropriate venue and time within 28 days of receiving your grievance letter. At the meeting you can be accompanied by either a colleague or trade union official. The rights of your companion have been expanded since 2005 and they can make an opening and closing statements, they can ask questions, they can follow up and expand on your answers so it is always advisable to make sure that you have qualified representation.
If you are a trade union member then Community will arrange representation and advise you. If you do intend to raise a formal complaint contact the union prior to submitting your grievance. After the grievance meeting the company must provide you with a written outcome within 2 weeks of the hearing and the company must also have an appeal provision in place that you can use if you are unhappy with the decision.
This information is intended as advice for general questions. Members should contact Community for specific advice. Freephone 0800 389 6332