Sorting out a problem at work

Guides, videos, and tools to help you resolve a problem at work informally, formally (using the grievance procedure) or if necessary by going to an employment tribunal.

Last updated: March 2026

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Your employment contract can give you more rights than the law gives you, but it cannot give you less than your basic rights. 

Sometimes what rights you have depends on whether you are classed as  a worker, an employee, or self-employed, - that is why we have help for you to work out which you are. 

We know that migrants and young people are particularly likely to be treated badly at work and not to know their rights - we have written this information to help you especially. 

 Information
Negotiating with your workplace
There may be times when you need to negotiate with your employer to avoid a problem or resolve one quickly. Discover our tips on how to make it go well.
Information
How to sort out work problems informally
How to raise the difficulty you are having at work informally, without making it a big deal.
Information
How to use the grievance procedure to sort out a problem at work
Step-by-step help to make a complaint about the problem at work so that the issue is properly looked at. Use this if you have tried the informal approach or if the problem is very serious.
Tool
Grievance letter tool
This easy-to-use tool helps you write a formal grievance letter to your employer. It supports you to challenge unfair treatment, and feel confident in taking formal action.
Information
Employment tribunals
Help if you have been treated poorly at work and are thinking about standing up for yourself by taking the issue to an employment tribunal.
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Disciplinary procedures
What happens when your employer takes action against you for misconduct.

Can't find what you are looking for?

Getting free one-to-one advice about employment law is hard. All advice services are extremely busy. We are here  to help everyone who cannot get in at an advice service and cannot afford to pay for legal help.

We give you the knowledge, confidence, and skills you need to deal with the issue yourself, or with the help of friends or family.  If you need more help and support than you can get from our advice guides, we explain how to find advice.

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