What to put in grievance letter?!

[Samcj02]

Hi?
I’ve been advised by Acas to write to my employer requesting my hours back after my maternity leave, They’ve tried reducing them by 9! :( what should I add in the letter? We don’t have a grievance policy at work, just want to make sure I get everything I need to put in it thanks

Say you are raising a grievance about unlawful forced changes to terms and conditions and about unlawful maternity-related discrimination.

Then go on to explain that further to their proposal to reduce your normal hours, you have taken advice and understand that as you have been working those hours continuously for xx years/months (whatever it is), those are your established terms and conditions and your consent is required to change them. You are not prepared to give your consent to the proposed change at this time and feel they have not followed a reasonable and lawful consultation process to make changes to terms and conditions.

Say that you are also concerned to note that you seem to have been singled out for such a drastic reduction in hours, and feel that this may be related to your maternity leave. Treating you less favourably because of your maternity leave would be unlawful discrimination and this seems to be the case.

Wow that’s great, Thank you c

We don’t have a grievance policy at work

I would check this with your employer. ACAS website is a useful resource re Employment good practice. Employers should provide informal and formal means for their employees to escalate their concerns about any aspect of their employment. They would be foolish not to have some mechanism in place nowadays, as it ensures lines of communication for disputes and concerns are open, and less opportunity for the employer to become a brick wall.

I was just coming on to say ACAS website has examples of letters etc.

Thanks for the great advice, my manager is more “if you have a problem speak to me, don’t put it in writing!” However due to the seriousness of this I think I’m best covering my own back and putting it in writing and keeping a copy!