The object of the grievance procedure is to enable employees who consider they have a grievance or complaint arising from their employment with the Company to have it dealt with at the nearest appropriate level within as short a time as possible. Anyone wishing to use this procedure can do so freely and without prejudice to his/her position in the Company. It applies to all employees, irrespective of job or grade.
Informal Grievances
In the first instance grievances will be dealt with by your immediate line manager who will initially deal with the matter.
If the complaint or grievance relates to your line manager, or you feel unable to raise the issue with your line manager, the grievance can be raised with the next level of management.
Formal Grievances
If the problem is serious, or you wish to raise it formally you should put the complaint in writing to your line manager.
If the complaint or grievance relates to your line manager, or you feel unable to raise the issue with your line manager, the grievance can be raised with the next level of management. You will be invited to a grievance hearing.
Grievance Hearing
Every opportunity will be given for your grievance to be stated and thoroughly discussed. Your manager will invite you to a meeting to discuss the issue. You may, if you wish, be accompanied by a single companion. A single companion may be a fellow employee or a trade union representative. After the meeting your manager will give you a decision, usually within 3 days. If they need to gather further information they will inform you of this, and any adjustment to the 3 day timescale.
Appeal
If you are unhappy with the outcome from the hearing you can raise an appeal, and you should advise your manager in writing. This should be done within 5 working days.
You will be invited to an appeal meeting within 5 days of receipt of your appeal. You may, if you wish, be accompanied by a single companion. A single companion may be a fellow employee or a trade union representative. This meeting will be conducted with a more senior manager. After the meeting you be notified of a decision within 3 days. If further information is required you will be notified of this and any adjustment to the 3 day timescale.
The appeal hearing decision is final and the grievance procedure is exhausted following this stage.
