Raising a grievance at work can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience. You have raised an issue you are unhappy about and it is very important to you that the matter is resolved. However, you may also be concerned that by making a complaint you are potentially creating trouble for others, or that your employer will come to see you in a less favourable light as a result of your complaint. It is a highly delicate situation and not something anybody would take lightly.

Grievances involve an official procedure and meetings can be formal or even intimidating to some employees. Often an employee can be left wondering whether this is what they really wanted to happen. It is not uncommon for what at first seemed like a relatively innocuous complaint via an email or letter to escalate into a full-blown procedure that seems out of proportion to the complainant. All you wanted was for the matter resolved, but now you find yourself in the spotlight and under pressure to justify yourself.

If you are involved in grievance procedures at work we offer unmatched expertise and a unique service. We have an intimate understanding of your rights and the procedures involved in grievance hearings. If you need help with a grievance issue, our sensitive and informed approach to the matter will secure the best possible outcome for you.

Experience has taught us that employment hearings are extremely stressful. A grievance at work has the potential to ruin your job, or even your career. Although employees have the right to be accompanied by a trade union official or a colleague, many employees who are not members of trade unions face hearings alone and with no support, even though serious consequences can result, including dismissal. If you are not a union member you may be accompanied by a colleague, but it can be hard to get a co-worker to back you in a dispute with your employer. You may not even be willing to ask a colleague for support out of concern of putting them in an awkward position.

RJW offer a unique service, Executive Reps, which provides you with an experienced union representative to accompany you to your hearing. Our Executive Reps can represent you and provide you with much-needed psychological support at a crucial time.

If you do not require representation at the hearing itself, our lawyers can also offer you advice and assistance before the hearing. For grievances this could include ensuring you understand the grievance procedure, drafting of the initial grievance, helping with preparation for the hearing, analysis of the grievance response and dealing with any appeal or subsequent tribunal claim.

The appointment of an executive rep is a show of strength which can turn the tables on the employer. It will help if any dispute arises over what was said and also allow you to adjourn and discuss any issues or concerns with an experienced hand. It can also help in any later negotiations by showing that you are well connected and prepared for any dispute.

The service may be particularly useful to senior employees, where employers may be less comfortable when the Executive is not alone and the Executive may have even more at stake as a result of the disciplinary process, or for any employee who needs extra support. Getting the approach right from the start can often pay dividends.