Raise a formal grievance about how you've been treated, your pay, your workload or anything else at work. Set out what happened and what would put it right, and the builder writes a clear, calm letter that follows the Acas Code. Free to copy, download as Word or print.
Before you write
Acas suggests it is usually best to try raising a problem informally first, with your manager or someone else you trust. If that doesn't work, or it's too serious for that, you can raise a formal grievance in writing.
Send it to a manager who isn't the subject of your grievance, or to HR.
What to put in a grievance letter
That you are raising a formal grievance, and what it is about.
What happened, with dates, what was said or done, and who was there.
Anything you have already done to sort it out.
The effect on you, if you want to say.
What would put it right.
Who you would like to bring to the meeting.
What happens next
Under the Acas Code, your employer should hold a meeting without unreasonable delay. You have a right to be accompanied at that meeting by a colleague or a trade union representative or official.
Afterwards they should tell you their decision in writing. If you don't agree, you can appeal, in writing, and the appeal should be heard by someone who wasn't involved where possible.
Grievance letter examples
Grievance letter about a manager
Facts with dates, after trying informally.
21 October 2026
Dear David,
Formal grievance
I am writing to raise a formal grievance about the way my line manager has spoken to me in team meetings.
What happened: On 2 September, in front of the team, I was told my work was "useless". On 16 September I was left out of the planning meeting for a project I lead, and told afterwards that I "wasn't needed".
I raised this informally with my manager on 18 September, but it has not been resolved, so I am now raising it formally.
This has affected me: I have found it hard to speak up in meetings.
To resolve my grievance, I would like an apology, and for any concerns about my work to be raised with me in private.
Please let me know when we can meet to discuss my grievance. I would like to be accompanied at the meeting by a colleague.
I would be grateful if you could confirm that you have received this letter, and keep it confidential.
Yours sincerely,
Alex Morgan Operations Coordinator
Grievance letter about workload
Asks for a review of hours and support.
21 October 2026
Dear David,
Formal grievance
I am writing to raise a formal grievance about my workload since two members of my team left in June.
What happened: Since June I have covered two vacant roles as well as my own. I have worked an average of 52 hours a week over the last eight weeks, against 37.5 in my contract.
I raised this informally with my manager on 4 and 18 September, but it has not been resolved, so I am now raising it formally.
This has affected me: I am exhausted and have had to cancel booked leave.
To resolve my grievance, I would like a review of my workload, a date for filling the vacant roles, and my booked leave to be honoured.
Please let me know when we can meet to discuss my grievance. I would like to be accompanied at the meeting by my trade union representative.
I would be grateful if you could confirm that you have received this letter, and keep it confidential.
Yours sincerely,
Alex Morgan Operations Coordinator
Questions people ask
Who should I send a grievance letter to?
A manager who isn't the subject of your grievance, or HR. If your grievance is about your line manager, send it to their manager or to HR.
Can I bring someone to the grievance meeting?
Yes. You have a right to be accompanied at a grievance meeting by a colleague or a trade union representative or official.
Do I have to raise it informally first?
No, but Acas suggests it is usually best to try. If you did, say so in your letter.
What if I'm not happy with the outcome?
You can appeal in writing. If it still isn't resolved and you are thinking about an employment tribunal claim, contact Acas first: you must go through early conciliation, and time limits apply. From 1 October 2026, most claims have a 6-month time limit where the problem at work happened on or after that date; for earlier problems it is 3 months less one day.
More letters for work
Resignation letter: Notice to leave, with your last working day worked out.
Retirement letter: Formal notice that you're retiring, with your last day worked out.
Character reference: For a job, a tenancy or court, written from real examples.
Job offer letters: Accept, decline or ask for more, with your resign-by date.
Reference letters: Ask someone to be your referee, or write a reference.