Workplace Grievances

If something’s gone wrong at work, you have the right to raise it. Whether it’s bullying, discrimination, unfair treatment, or whistleblowing, your employer must follow a proper process, and under the ACAS code. That means a fair hearing, the right to be accompanied, and a clear outcome. If they don’t follow the rules or if things escalate, we’re here to protect your position and guide you through it.

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For individuals

Workplace Grievances

Case review and legal assessment

Start with a clear view of where you stand. We’ll highlight legal issues like discrimination or whistleblowing, assess your position, and explain your options.

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Grievance letter drafting

Need to submit a formal complaint? We can write or review your grievance to meet legal and internal policy standards, helping you stay protected and make your case effective.

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Strategy for hearings

Going into a hearing can be daunting. You’ll get support with scripts, evidence, and tactics to stay calm and in control before, during and after the meeting.

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Negotiation and settlement

Sometimes a quiet resolution is best. We can help you negotiate informal resolutions, contractual changes, or settlement agreements with tax-efficient compensation.

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Loss calculation and ACAS support

We help you understand your losses, prepare a detailed schedule of loss, and pursue ACAS Early Conciliation.

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Tribunal representation

If your case progresses to Tribunal, we’ll draft your claim (ET1), prepare supporting evidence and statements, as well as represent you through every stage.

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Questions we’re often asked

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What is a workplace grievance?

It’s a formal complaint about problems at work, made through your employer’s internal process.

Do I have to follow their grievance procedure?

Yes. Following their policy and the ACAS Code helps protect your legal position if things escalate.

Can I take someone with me to meetings?

Yes. You have the right to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative at formal grievance meetings.

Are there deadlines to raise a grievance?

Grievances should be raised promptly. If you later want to bring a Tribunal claim, the usual deadline is three months minus one day from the issue.

Could raising a grievance affect my job?

It shouldn’t. You’re legally protected against victimisation or retaliation for speaking up.

Do I need a solicitor to raise a grievance?

You don’t have to, but having legal advice can improve your chances and help avoid costly mistakes.

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

Experts in every area

Managing Partner

Ellie Broadhurst

Associate Solicitor

Jemma Fieldsend

Georgia Jeonney

Partner and Head of Employment

Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Partner and Head of Employment

Marcus Pickersgill

Anna Schiavetta

Senior Associate Solicitor

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