Grievances

If an employee raises a grievance, you're legally required to investigate and respond. Get it wrong, and you risk tribunal claims, increased compensation, and reputational damage. The Employment Rights Act 1996 and ACAS Code require fair, prompt procedures; breaches risk 25% uplifts and uncapped damages. We’ll help you manage complaints fairly and decisively, with advice that protects your business and your people.

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Grey image placeholder with image icon centralised

Grievance policies and handbooks

We draft, review, and update clear grievance procedures and staff handbooks that reflect current legal standards and the ACAS Code of Practice.

Training for managers and HR teams

Training helps to tackle early intervention, how to handle sensitive complaints, and how best to deal with documentation. We provide training in person and online for HR and managers on early resolution, robust investigations, note‑taking, and documentation to reduce risk and encourage fair, consistent outcomes.

Complex grievances and senior executives

Tailored advice on discrimination, whistleblowing, or senior-level grievances, including strategy, risk assessment, and settlement options.

Executive and senior-level issues

From strategy to settlement, we help you manage grievances at board and director level with a clear focus on risk and discretion.

Settlement Agreements

We’ll negotiate and draft settlement agreements that bring disputes to a close with clarity and confidentiality.

Representation at ACAS and tribunal

If a grievance leads to Early Conciliation, mediation, or tribunal proceedings arising from alleged grievance mishandling, we’ll represent you at every stage with a strategy that aims to resolve matters efficiently.

Questions we’re often asked

What counts as a grievance at work?

Any formal complaint from an employee about how they’ve been treated. It could relate to bullying, discrimination, workload, or any other workplace issue.

Do we need a written grievance procedure?

Yes. The Employment Rights Act 1996 and the ACAS Code both require employers to set out written procedures for handling grievances.

What happens if we ignore the ACAS Code?

Tribunals can increase any compensation awarded by up to 25% for unreasonable non-compliance.

How soon should we act on a grievance?

Act promptly. Acknowledge the grievance quickly, investigate without delay, and communicate outcomes transparently.

Can a grievance be resolved through a settlement agreement?

Yes. They can settle claims with confidentiality, waivers, and clear exit terms.

When should we take legal advice?

Early advice can prevent problems down the line, especially for complaints involving discrimination, whistleblowing, or senior staff.

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Georgia was incredibly helpful throughout the process of reaching a settlement with a previous employer. Georgia took the time to understand my personal situation and provided clear, considerate, and professional guidance at every stage. Her support made a complex process much easier to navigate, and I felt reassured knowing I was in capable hands.
Employment Client
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Chris is a great listener, clear communicator and, in my opinion, a genuinely good, kind human being. I have no hesitation in recommending Blacks in Leeds for any legal matters you may have; you'll be in good hands.
Employment Client
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
I have dealt with Chris Allen recently concerning some rather upsetting and extremely delicate matters. Chris and the team have proved to be reassuring, down to earth and absolute consummate professionals.
Employment Client
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Blacks helped us think beyond the sessions by supporting us to consider how the legislative changes translate into day to day behaviours and what this means for our culture in anticipation for our policy to be launched. This has supported follow on training delivery internally surrounding misogyny, misogynoir and trans-misogyny.
Employment Training Client
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
We had an excellent experience working with Blacks. From the moment we reached out to request training, they responded quickly and took the time to meet with us early on to understand our needs and the wider organisational context. They were patient and flexible as we worked through our planning.
Employment Training Client
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Ellie was absolutely amazing through the whole process. She made me feel at ease and was very efficient at replying to my emails and queries. I would also like to say a thank you to Jemma who was the first one I engaged with and made me feel comfortable and less anxious.
Employment Client
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
I worked with Tom during a very stressful and time-sensitive settlement, and I’m genuinely so grateful for his support. From the start, he was calm, practical and incredibly thorough, which made a huge difference at a point when everything felt overwhelming.
Employment Client
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
The service was 11 out of 10! Ellie kept me on the straight and narrow. She navigated the legal side and the emotional side incredibly well. She advised me brilliantly and I couldn’t be happier with that
Employment Client
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Euan Lawrence helped me with a HR issue with a former employee, and I was extremely impressed by his professionalism and the clarity of his advice in translating complex legal ease for the less legally minded individuals such as myself – I would fully recommend.
Employment Client
Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK
Outstanding service from start to finish. The team’s work rate, speed of response, and legal knowledge were second to none. They consistently went above and beyond to get things done efficiently and with care. Special thanks to Richard P and Pete K for their exceptional support – true professionals!
Blacks Client

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