Published on 12, July, 2020
Has anyone gone through a grievance procedure with an employer when refusing reasonable adjustments? Some of them recommended by an assessor behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.
I believe that having a grievance hearing would a nerve-wracking experience for me. I would be under extreme stress and anxiety. I do not think that I would be able to say anything meaningful and/or they would be able to understand me. I do not think that I can do this myself unless someone represents me.
The problem is that I do not have a colleague, a trade union representative or an official employed by a trade union to be with me.
How about the Employment Tribunal?
What are your experiences with the grievance procedures, ACAS Early Conciliation and the Employment Tribunal?
Was it worth it?
How do the managers react when employees start these procedures?
I have been through this process without any representation. The ACAS consolidator that I worked with wasn't great. Without knowing the facts of the case she told me it was weak and that I didn't stand a chance. I took a significant settlement rather than going to the tribunal hearing. All of the evidence of disability discrimination, including the refusal to implement RA that were recommended in A2W report, were documented in emails from my line manager so I had a solid case. I do regret not going all the way. BTW I accessed my line managers emails about me through a data protection request.
I had similar issues with my last post but had union representation. My employment offered me a settlement agreement in return for me agreeing to terminate my employment but had secured a new job before I signed the paperwork.
I've now learnt its best to get out asap if an employer is unsupportive as its unlikely they will every change their stance.