Complaint about colleague

[Doinmummy]

I am writing a complaint about a colleague, should I add "without predjudice" on the letter?

What is the nature of the complaint?

She has made a fairly serious allegation against me. Totally untrue, I have witnesses who know it didn't happen. I have given the letter to my boss today.

Well best of luck with it doin, hope it all turns out OK for you.

Thankyou . I'm really worried about the fall out from her and what will happen next.

Yes I can imagine. The main thing is you have stood up to her and made your boss aware of what's gone on.

Do you think she/he will investigate in a professional way?

I hope so. The powers that be are aware that she is "tricky" and likes to exaggerate . I have had enough of her stirring and making things up about people. I don't trust her an inch and was told not to speak to her without a witness.

Good to hear, doin. Please let me know how you get on. I hope you have some good real life support, it sounds stressful!

You don't need to write "Without Prejudice" on it.

Thank you for replying. It is very stressful as I have to work closely with her. I haven't slept properly for days now. I wish I knew what the next step is or how it will be handled .

Hope you're ok, doin and work are handling the matter quickly and professionally.

Do you know if they have to reply in writing to me and let me know the outcome?

They should acknowledge receiving and reading your letter.
Then probably be done through mtgs.
The company should have a complaints procedure. Ask for a copy.
Take an independent reliable witness with you to mtgs even though you are making the complaint.

Thank you . I haven't had any acknowledgement yet. I'm worried it will be brushed under the carpet.

Would the witnesses be able or willing to stand up for you? Have you informed HR? Good luck.

Yes I have witnesses who would stand up and say what really happened. My boss believes me too. I haven't told HR though. Ill give it another couple of days and see if I get an answer. I was told to put it in writing otherwise boss said nothing could be done , so I hope I'm taken seriously .

Sounds like it will go your way then. Thing is the colleague might be able to wrangle her way out of things and make excuses. Sorry sounding so cynical... Just that a lot of that's been happening at my workplace recently! And the excuses are so flimsy yet somewhat believed... Grr.

Without prejudice means that in the context of trying to settle a matter (eg agree a termination payment) the parties do not want the negotiations about settlement to be shown to the employment tribunal. It can only be used where you are genuinely discussing settlement. You are not from what you say and so heading the document "without prejudice" is unnecessary and incorrect.

Do you have a copy of the company grievance procedure? It will state within how many days they should reply to acknowledge your letter.

I havent been at work for the last few days so I dont know whats happening. Ill have a look at the grievance policy, I have a feeling my complaint will be ignored.

Oh dear, not good. Yes definitely get a copy of the grievance procedure, it will state within what time frame they should have acknowledged your letter.

How are you getting on?

Nothing has happened. I didn't think it would to be honest .

So no acknowledgment at all? Did you get hold of your company grievance procedure?

I haven't chased things up. Unfortunately this has paled into insignificance compared to other probs I have. Thank you for asking how I'm getting on though.

Sorry to hear that, can we help with the other problems?