Workplace Discrimination Grievance Letter
A formal internal grievance letter raising a complaint of workplace discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
When to use this template
Use this template to raise a formal internal grievance about workplace discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on grounds of a protected characteristic (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation) under the Equality Act 2010. Raising a grievance before going to a tribunal is not legally required but is strongly recommended — it can improve your position, put the employer on notice, and demonstrate compliance with the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.
When NOT to use this template
Do not raise a grievance in lieu of complying with ACAS Early Conciliation — contact ACAS first if you intend to bring an Employment Tribunal claim. Do not delay raising the grievance until after any limitation period has passed.
Legal Basis
Equality Act 2010 (protected characteristics, direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation); ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures (March 2015). A 25% uplift in tribunal compensation may be awarded where an employer unreasonably fails to follow the ACAS Code.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Waiting too long — grievances should be raised promptly and before the 3-month minus 1 day ET deadline approaches
- ✗Being too vague about the specific acts complained of — name dates, witnesses, and specific words or conduct
- ✗Not identifying the protected characteristic(s) you rely on
- ✗Sending to an inappropriate manager (e.g. the manager whose conduct you are complaining about) — send to HR or a senior manager
- ✗Not keeping copies — keep a copy of the letter and proof of delivery (email read receipt or recorded post)
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR JOB TITLE] [YOUR DEPARTMENT] [DATE OF LETTER] [HR MANAGER / SENIOR MANAGER NAME] [COMPANY NAME] [COMPANY ADDRESS] --- Dear [HR MANAGER / SENIOR MANAGER NAME], **FORMAL GRIEVANCE: WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION — EQUALITY ACT 2010** I am writing to raise a formal grievance under the Company's grievance procedure in relation to unlawful discrimination, harassment, and/or victimisation in breach of the Equality Act 2010. **1. My Protected Characteristic** My complaint relates to my [PROTECTED CHARACTERISTIC (E.G. RACE, DISABILITY, SEX)] (as defined in section [RELEVANT SECTION OF EQUALITY ACT 2010 (E.G. S.9 RACE, S.6 DISABILITY)] of the Equality Act 2010). **2. The Acts Complained Of** I set out below the specific acts of discrimination / harassment / victimisation that I have experienced: **Incident 1 — [DATE OF FIRST INCIDENT]** [DESCRIPTION OF FIRST INCIDENT] **Incident 2 — [DATE OF SECOND INCIDENT]** [DESCRIPTION OF SECOND INCIDENT] **Incident 3 (if applicable) — [DATE OF THIRD INCIDENT (IF ANY)]** [DESCRIPTION OF THIRD INCIDENT] **3. Witnesses** The following individuals witnessed some or all of the above conduct: [NAMES OF WITNESSES] **4. Evidence** I hold / am able to obtain the following evidence in support of my grievance: [DESCRIPTION OF EVIDENCE YOU HOLD] **5. The Effect on Me** [HOW THE DISCRIMINATION HAS AFFECTED YOU] **6. What I Am Seeking** I ask the Company to: (a) Investigate this grievance thoroughly and fairly, including interviewing all named witnesses; (b) Take appropriate action against the individual(s) responsible; (c) Provide me with a written outcome of the investigation; (d) Confirm the steps the Company will take to prevent recurrence; (e) [ANY ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC REMEDY SOUGHT]. I expect to be treated fairly and without detriment for raising this grievance. Any adverse treatment following this letter may itself constitute victimisation under section 27 of the Equality Act 2010. I am available to attend a grievance hearing at a mutually convenient time. I request to be accompanied at any hearing by a trade union representative or a workplace colleague of my choice (Employment Relations Act 1999 s.10). Yours sincerely, [YOUR FULL NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.