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Try to sort it out informally

If you decide there is a real problem, talk it through first with your line manager, personnel department, colleagues or trade union to see if it can be sorted out informally. It's a good idea to keep notes, in case you need to establish what was discussed later on.

You can also speak to a lawyer, but bear in mind that they generally cost money, and it may not be necessary at this early stage.

Making a formal grievance complaint

If the informal approach with your employer does not work, the next step will probably be to make a formal complaint under the grievance procedure (unless, for example, you have been dismissed). At present you should follow certain statutory minimum steps, along with any others your employer might have set out in their own grievance procedure. If you haven't got a copy of your employer's procedure, ask for one.

• Grievance procedures: the standard three-step procedure

From 6 April 2009, these statutory steps will be repealed and Acas will produce guidance on what your employer and you should do. A revised statutory Acas Code of Practice will set out the principles of what an employer and employee should do to achieve a reasonable standard of behaviour.

• Grievance, disciplinary and Employment Tribunal procedures from 6 April 2009
• Acas revised Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures Opens new window

If you live in Northern Ireland the dispute resolution changes won’t apply. To find out more about the dispute resolution procedures in Northern Ireland visit the Department for Employment and Learning website.

• Department for Employment and Learning Northern Ireland (DELNI) Opens new window

What to do if you can't solve the problem through the grievance procedure

If the grievance procedure does not work, you must then decide if you want to take it further. Before you do, it's important to understand your rights and what your employer must do. Is your employer breaking the law, or are they just being tough and unsympathetic?

Read the articles on this site that most closely match your problem. It may help to get a statement of the main employment rights that apply to you. For example, if your employer is trying to change your shift pattern against your will, read the article on changes to employment conditions.

• Changes to employment conditions
• A statement of your employment rights and responsibilities

Alternative ways of sorting out problems

You could also try an alternative way to sort out your problem, for example:

Remember that disagreements at work do not need to become Employment Tribunal cases and that resolving your problem at work in other ways, when you can, will save you significant time, money and stress.

Employment Tribunals and Civil Courts

If you have tried alternative ways of sorting out your problem and they haven’t worked, you may be able to complain to an Employment Tribunal (or Industrial Tribunal in Northern Ireland).

An Employment Tribunal is like an informal court that deals with employment rights disputes. County Courts also deal with some employment-related issues, like breach of contract. You should also find out whether your problem can be dealt with by an Employment Tribunal, then decide whether it is worth the trouble and possibly cost of doing so. Remember: you should always get advice before taking legal action.

• Seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice agency
• Employment Tribunals: an introduction

Before making your claim you usually must follow the statutory grievance procedures first. Until 6 April 2009, an Employment Tribunal normally won't accept your case unless you have raised a grievance in writing and then waited for 28 days before you submit your claim.

This rule does not apply if your grievance is about dismissal or about disciplinary action unless, either:

• you think the disciplinary action involved unlawful discrimination
• the grounds used by your employer (eg your conduct or capability) initially given for disciplining you were unrelated to the grounds that your employer to action on

In these situations you must raise the grievance in writing and wait 28 days before submitting your claim to the Employment Tribunal.

• Discrimination at work

• Non-payment, deductions and payslips
• Breach of contract
• Constructive dismissal

Where to get help

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues.

From 6 April 2009 Acas may be able to offer you a free pre-claim conciliation service if you have a dispute which is likely to turn into an Employment Tribunal case. You should contact the Acas helpline to find out whether this would be suitable for you.

• Acas Opens new window

The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues for residents of Northern Ireland.

• Labour Relations Agency Opens new window

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can provide free and impartial advice. You can find your local CAB office in the phone book or online.

• Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau Opens new window

If you are a member of a trade union, you can get help, advice and support from them.

• More about trade unions

More useful links

• Advice for your employer about handling discipline and grievance issues from Business Link Opens new window
• Resolving disputes at work - a guide for employees in Northern Ireland from the Department for Employment and Learning (DELNI) Opens new window
• Advice from nibusinessinfo for Northern Ireland employers about handling discipline and grievance issues Opens new window
• Managing conflict at work - an Acas guide for employers Opens new window