Grievance letter template
If an employee wishes to raise a grievance about a workplace issue, they can submit this model letter template to you.
- 1 page / 85 words.
- Last updated 06/10/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Grievance letter
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Grievance
I am writing to tell you that I wish to raise a grievance.
This action is being considered with regard to the following circumstances:
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A grievance letter is a formal letter written by an employee to their employer to raise a concern or complaint about a workplace issue, such as discrimination, harassment, bullying, unfair treatment, or any other violation of their rights. The purpose of a grievance letter is to inform the employer of the issue and to request a resolution or action to address the problem.
The letter should be written in a clear and concise manner, outlining the specific details of the issue or incident, including dates, times, and any witnesses present. The letter should also state the desired outcome or resolution, such as an apology, compensation, or a change in policy or procedure.
It is important to note that a grievance letter should only be used as a last resort after attempting to resolve the issue through informal means, such as speaking with a supervisor or human resources representative. Additionally, the letter should be written in a professional and respectful tone, avoiding any inflammatory or accusatory language.
It is usually delivered to the Employer / HR by the Employee.
Compliance
Compliance
This Grievance letter template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
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The ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures: Employers are encouraged to follow this code, which sets out best practice guidance on how to handle grievances.
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The Equality Act 2010: Employers must not discriminate against an employee who has submitted a grievance letter. This includes discrimination based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
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The Employment Rights Act 1996: Employees have a statutory right to raise a grievance with their employer. Employers must investigate the grievance and take appropriate action.
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The Data Protection Act 2018: Employers must ensure that any personal data collected during the grievance process is processed in accordance with data protection regulations.
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The Human Rights Act 1998: Employees have the right to a fair and impartial investigation into their grievance.
Employers should also ensure that they have a clear grievance procedure in place, which outlines the steps that will be taken to investigate and resolve grievances. This procedure should be communicated to all employees, and employers should ensure that they follow it consistently and fairly.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Grievance letter template, to understand the workflow.
Grievance investigation confirmation letter
Our Grievance Investigation Confirmation Letter ensures a transparent process, confirming receipt and initiation of grievance investigation promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Grievance letter template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
