Before you take the plunge
"The management knows how sleazy he is with women, but they let him get away with it. Why is it up to me to raise a grievance?"
Lynne, Croydon
It is against the law for your employer to turn a blind eye to discrimination. That could be a grievance in itself.
In the meantime, you may have to take matters into your own hands. By raising a grievance you force your work into a position where they have to do something about it or they could be taken to an employment tribunal.
1. Take a step back from the situation
Take a few deep breaths. Think objectively about what or who you are unhappy with, and why. It may help to talk things through with someone you trust to get things in perspective.
2. What do you want to achieve?
Think about the outcome you want. What would you do if you were the employer? If you can suggest a way forward when you raise your grievance, you show willing, and you are more likely to achieve your aims.
3. Be prepared
If your grievance relates to an ongoing problem, keep a diary of what is happening as a record. Keep safe any other evidence, like emails. Familiarise yourself with how your work's grievance procedure works and make sure you have read any bits of your contract which may be relevant.
