Handling an employee's grievance
The grievance hearing
Preparing for the hearing
Before holding a hearing, employers should:
- give the employee notice so that they can prepare their case
- carry out a full investigation if necessary and take statements from any witnesses who cannot attend
- make it clear that the employee can bring a colleague or union representative if they want to
- arrange for another manager to attend to make sure that the hearing is conducted properly
- arrange for someone to take notes
Delays
If the employee cannot attend the hearing (eg because they are ill), offer them a reasonable alternative date and time.
The employee can also suggest a different time for the hearing if the person accompanying them cannot attend. They must do this within 5 working days after you proposed the original meeting time.
You can make your decision without having a hearing if:
- you have already rearranged the meeting, but the employee fails to attend
- the employee is on long-term sick leave and unable to go to meetings in the near future (they can supply written information instead if they want to)