Grievance procedures and third parties

Sometimes employees want to raise issues about concerns that are outside the control of the organisation, for example, bullying or harassment by a customer or supplier. The Acas Guidance suggests that these kinds of grievance should be treated in the same way as grievances within the employing organisation, with the employer or manager investigating as far as possible and taking action if required. In particular, employers are encouraged to make it very clear to outside parties that grievances are taken seriously and that action will be taken to protect employees.