Problems at work

Talk to your employer

Many problems can be resolved informally. If you have a problem at work, for example, deductions from wages or not being allowed to take holiday, you should discuss it your employer. You can do this verbally or in writing. You should keep a record of conversations and keep copies of all letters.

Sometimes it might be appropriate for an adviser to contact your employer on your behalf and this may resolve the situation.

Submitting a grievance

If the problem has not been resolved, then you can submit a grievance. Your employer should tell you about the grievance procedure at work.

You should put the problem in writing and a manager should deal with it. Your employer should arrange a formal meeting to discuss the matter and you should be allowed to take a friend or adviser to the meeting with you. This person should be allowed to speak on your behalf if you want them to.

If your grievance is not resolved, there should be an appeals procedure to take the matter further. You can find more information on the ACAS website.

Employment tribunal

If you cannot get the problem resolved, you might want to take it to an employment tribunal. The tribunal is like a court and has the power to make decisions on a wide range of employment problems.