Dealing with discrimination at work
From the 6th April 2009 there are new rules for dealing with disputes with your employer. If your problem began on or after the 6th April visit the Adviceguide website for more information. If your dispute began before the 6th April you can use the information in this guide.
How to use the grievance procedure
Every employer must have a procedure to deal with employees’ problems and complaints (known as grievances). This guide offers practical advice and information about how to use your work’s procedure to complain about possible discrimination. It also provides a useful template for dealing with other sorts of complaints.
If you have a problem at work, it’s important to follow the grievance procedure from the beginning. It gives you legal rights that you might lose otherwise.
If your problem is not dealt with properly, you might decide to make a claim at an employment tribunal. This guide doesn’t show you how to make a claim at a tribunal, but does explain how you put yourself in a position where you are ready to do so. You won’t be able to take a claim at a tribunal unless you have first tried your employer’s grievance procedure.
Use the menu on the right or download the guide as an easy-to-print leaflet: 
Dealing with discrimination at work (473 KB)
What happens if you use the grievance procedure?
The process:
1. You have a problem or complaint in relation to your work.
This is a grievance.
2. Follow your work’s grievance procedure.
Every employer must have a grievance procedure.
3. If your work fails to sort out the problem you may be able to go to an employment tribunal.
An employment tribunal is a less formal court which deals with disputes about employment.
