Appealing a grievance decision

Employees who are unhappy with the outcome of the grievance hearing should promptly lodge an appeal in writing. An unreasonable failure to appeal is a breach of the Acas Code, and could lead to a cut in compensation of up to 25% in any tribunal claim.

The Acas Code recommends that the employee should be invited to an appeal hearing which must be convened without unreasonable delay. The appeal must be heard by a manager who, unless it is not reasonably practicable, has not previously been involved. The employer should remind the employee of their right to be accompanied (see Chapter 8).

After the appeal hearing, the employer should write to the employee to tell them the decision and inform them of any further right to appeal. They should also be informed if it is the final stage of the grievance procedure.

Sometimes grievances are raised midway through the disciplinary process. This is looked at in Chapter 7: Overlapping disciplinary and grievance procedures.