www.iva.co.uk

I have initiated a formal grievance against my employer and have today been offered either a formal hearing, or to make a written submission, or, as there have been many similar complaints, to join a collective grievance.

What I would like to know, from anybody who has been there, is the hearing a two way thing? That is to say do I just make my case and go away to await the outcome, or do they address the points I raise at the meeting, so we can have a meaningful conversation?

If I don't get any feedback at the actual meeting I might as well just make a written submission!

Not good news Foggy. Wish I could help you with this one.

Contact Julie - she's the HR guru on here and I'm sure she can help.

Must admit, im about to take out a grievence at work, just trying to figure out if it would make things worse.

One of my work colleagues has started a rumor that ive been having an affair with one of the younger cashiers from another store, she claims she saw us together having coffee thats the basis of the rumor.

Tbh we were having coffee, in our work uniforms in the store she works in, and in front of everyone, as we were discussing her career options, but its all got out of hand. The younger cashier is quite embarassed and im in a 13 yr relationship.

At the moment sat on the fence, but was annoyed when the boss at work made a comment yesterday which i though was out of order and added fuel to the already burning fire. Im on holiday rest of this week so hoping it will just go away, but part of me is angry supermarket rumors that just aren't true.

Foggy with us, the proceedure is you get interviewed with your points get to ask your questions, rarely get answers in these situations and then a follow up letter gives you the answers, if not then proceed to the next level.

Are you in the union foggy? I would think they would be able to advise whether the collective grievance is best or not. Is it about working from home?

Hi Foggy,

First of all ask/look at your company disciplinary and grievance procedure. it should clearly state the steps taken when a formal greivance has been raised, including timescales for the investigation into the grievance.

Common practice is, upon receipt of your written grievance, 2 people will be assigned to investigate. Normally a Senior Manager and HR. They will go through your grievance and arrange to talk to you to clarify some points. This can be done face to face or via telephone.

Depending on the nature of the grievance, they may need to talk to other individuals and take witness statements, before deciding what action if any is to be taken.

It really depends on the grievance as to whether a "2 way meeting" is suitable - I have held these and all parties are keen for an amicable outcome, they can work. However, it can lead to a "shouting" match and can be quite fruitless.

The main thing is to make sure your grievance letter is detailed and accurate, includes supportive evidence where possible and most importantly, includes what you are looking for as a fair outcome.

A collective grievances should only be used if your particular grievance is covered by others. I agree with Kazza and if you have a union / or employee rep, then they could present the case.

If you want to drop me a line via FB for more support, please do. As for all HR ussues, it is better to get the full personal background to be able to advise properly.

Antm - I sympathise with you, at this satge I would advise you talk to your boss and explain you did not find their comments helpful at all. State at this stage, you do not want to take it further, but will consider a formal grievance if it continues. HR could have a "quiet" word with the colleague that started the rumour and advise them to think before they speak.

I used to work in retail and hubby still does, so can totally understand how these rumours start and escalate. Again, let me know if you want further advice off forum.

What a silly petty thing to do to you Antm and one that could have consequences for both of you, Julie gives good advice and hopefully will help and all this will be sorted very soon.

[:)] Thanks Lesley.

I have advised Foggy off forum, as it would not be appropriate to post all the details on here.

I'm happy to help anyone if I can - not all us HR bods are ogres [:D]

Tbh been in today to work and no one had mentioned anything, there is one issue and that's the younger menber of staff her ex works for me as one my lead supervisors, he was a bit off so had it out with him, he wasnt too happy but understood work rumours and all that, I'm off for rest of week will see how it lies next week, my own fault for helping others, I'm know as a mentor to newer colleagues to get on, might have to stop doing this if this is what happens.

I wouldn't change your style Antm - it makes you who you are. Once you deal with the issues face on and people realise how silly rumours can affect THEIR positions, then maybe they will learn their lessons.

Enjoy your week off.

Enjoy your week off and hopefully things will settle. x

I hope so, now ive had time to think about im more annoyed that people think so little of me. All those years and people of helped and supported and its as if someone with with bad maths 2+2 has to equal 4 right?? well no not when its 1.5+2!

I need to calm down a bit, and relax, a few days this week i might have to go for a blast on the bike! (2 wheeled version wouldn't want to be taken wrong way)

font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica">quote:<hr height="1" noshade>Originally posted by antm



I need to calm down a bit, and relax, a few days this week i might have to go for a blast on the bike! (2 wheeled version wouldn't want to be taken wrong way)

Thats a great way to calm down,
just you 2 wheels and the wind in your face.
always works for me.[:D]