Who it is for
Employers in England, Wales and Scotland who need a clear route for staff to raise problems, and the managers who have to run the meetings.
What it covers
- Who it applies to, and what is handled elsewhere (disciplinary appeals and collective grievances).
- Informal resolution, and why staff do not have to try it first for harassment or serious concerns.
- How to raise a formal grievance, including other ways to raise it if writing is hard, and reasonable adjustments.
- The meeting, normally within five working days, the right to be accompanied and the postponement rule.
- The written outcome, appeals, and what happens when a grievance overlaps a disciplinary process.
- When a grievance is also whistleblowing, and protection for the employee and any witnesses.
The law it reflects
Checked against the law in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) as at 19 October 2026.
- The Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures (2015) is still the Code in force. A revised draft was consulted on from July to September 2026 and is expected to take effect in 2027. A tribunal can increase an award by up to 25% if an employer unreasonably fails to follow the Code.
- Since 6 April 2026, reporting sexual harassment can be a protected disclosure (whistleblowing) under the Employment Rights Act 1996, s.43B(1)(da). The person raising it, and anyone who supports them, is protected from detriment.
- Raising a grievance does not pause the tribunal clock. Most employment tribunal claims about something that happened on or after 1 October 2026 must be started within six months (it was three), after Acas early conciliation.
- The right to be accompanied applies at grievance hearings about a duty you owe the worker (Employment Relations Act 1999, s.10).
Before you use it
It is a starting point, not legal advice. Fill in the placeholders, set your own timescales, and check it fits how your organisation actually works. Take advice if a case is complex, could involve discrimination, or may end up at a tribunal. Northern Ireland has different rules in several areas.
Need more? See the Grievance Process Pack. 15 documents: policy, leaders' guidance covering bullying, harassment and whistleblowing, outcome and appeal letters, an investigation plan and a mediation agreement. £79 + VAT, one-off.