Formal Grievance Procedure: ACAS Code Guide

You have a workplace complaint. Follow the ACAS Code of Practice to raise a formal grievance. Learn the steps, deadlines, and how to prepare for tribunal if needed.

Quick Answer: Submit written grievance to your manager or HR. Employer must acknowledge within 2 working days. Formal hearing within 5-10 working days. Appeal within 5 working days of outcome. If employer fails to follow ACAS Code, tribunal can increase compensation by 25%. Must complete grievance before tribunal claim (except constructive dismissal).

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ACAS Code of Practice Steps

  1. Written grievance: Submit in writing to manager or HR. Detail the complaint, dates, witnesses, what you want (apology, reversal, compensation).
  2. Acknowledgment: Employer must acknowledge within 2 working days.
  3. Formal hearing: Employer holds hearing within 5-10 working days. You can bring a companion (friend, union rep).
  4. Outcome: Employer gives decision in writing within 5-10 working days.
  5. Appeal: You can appeal within 5 working days if outcome is unfair.

What to Include in Your Grievance Letter

Date of the issue, what happened (specific incident or pattern), who was involved, impact on you, what you want (resolution), dates and witnesses. Keep it factual, professional, not emotional.

Failure to Follow ACAS Code

If employer ignores the code (no hearing, no appeal, rushed process), tribunal can increase compensation by 25%. This is powerful leverage - mention it to your employer.