Taking out a grievance-as per contract but not followed by employer

[Putthatbookdown]

My employer did not follow the procedures in my contract ie. having arep present and then when I asked for a grievance the rep did not help-afraid?
Does an employer have to follow their own contract if you have said you want to follow it?

They do have to follow the contract. But if you had a rep present they are not there to 'help' you per se. They are usually only there as a witness to make sure that you are being treated fairly.

If in doubt I'd recommend speaking to ACAS. It's free and totally impartial.