Bringing a discrimination claim

Before submitting a claim to the employment tribunal, it is advisable to first raise a written grievance to set out the claim clearly and also to avoid any cut in compensation through non-compliance with the Acas Code.

The Acas Code gives tribunals the power to cut compensation by up to 25% for unreasonable non-compliance with its terms, one of which is to raise issues promptly and to “let the employer know the nature of the grievance”. For more guidance see the LRD Booklet, Disciplinary and grievance procedures— a practical guide for union reps.

Remember that whether or not a grievance has been sent will make no difference to the time limit in the employment tribunal. Time continues to run whether or not any grievance has been issued and whether or not any grievance procedure has been exhausted.