Appealing a grievance decision

Many of the points raised in relation to disciplinary appeals also relate to grievance appeals (see Chapter 10). The following is a summary:

Employees who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the appeal, should promptly lodge an appeal in writing. Failing to appeal is a breach of the Acas Code, which could lead to a cut in compensation of up to 25%.

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 also 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.

If discrimination is involved member should consider a statutory questionnaire (see Chapter 6: Discrimination). A data subject access request should also be considered.

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