Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Grievance definition

What does Grievance mean? A grievance is an employee’s formal workplace complaint raised with their employer about matters arising from their employment, such as treatment by managers or colleagues, terms and conditions, pay, working time, health and safety, discrimination, harassment or bullying. “Grievance” is a descriptive employment-law term, not exhaustively defined in legislation. Its handling is guided by codes of practice and case law on fair procedures. In England & Wales and Scotland, the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures applies; employment tribunals must take it into account and may adjust awards by up to 25% for unreasonable non-compliance (s.207A Trade...

Workplace Grievances: Acas Code Compliance, Procedures, Investigations, Decisions, Appeals and Records—Legal Guidance on Constructive Dismissal, Award Adjustments, Defamation and Mental Health Considerations

Published by a LexisNexis Employment expert

Practice notes

At some stage, every employer will encounter staff dissatisfaction. For this reason, employers need a clear route to handle complaints. A well-run Grievance procedure helps settle disagreements and supports a contented workforce.

What is a grievance?

Under the Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and grievance procedures, grievances are the concerns, issues or complaints employees bring to their employer. The non‑statutory Acas guidance, Discipline and grievances at work, recognises that anyone in an organisation may at some point face worries about their job, conditions, or colleague relationships that they wish to raise with management. They expect the matter to be taken seriously and, where possible, resolved. Management likewise benefits from tackling problems early, before they escalate into significant difficulties for everyone.

employment terms and conditions
health and safety
working relationships
bullying and harassment
new ways of working
work environment
organisational change
discrimination

Grievances can arise at any level, and the matters addressed in this Practice Note, including the Acas Code...

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Web page updated on 27/05/2026

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