Derek working in retail banking asks "I have an issue that I want raise formally with my employer. How do I go about doing this?"

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Hi Derek, Familiarise yourself with your company’s grievance procedure. Typically, you should try and resolve the issue informally. Speak to your manager and give them a chance to deal with your concerns. Generally, if they do not reply within a week, raise the issue to the company’s HR. If this fails, it is time to formally raise the issue in a letter of grievance. We can help you with this.

Useful guidelines:

  • Keep your letter to the point. You need to give enough detail for your employer to be able to investigate your complaint properly. Going off the point can be confusing and won’t help your case.
  • Keep to the facts. Don’t make allegations or accusations you cannot prove.
  • Never use abusive or offensive language. You are much less likely to achieve your aim if you annoy or anger the person reading your letter.
  • Explain how you felt about the behaviour you are complaining about but don't use emotive language.