Resolving disputes

If you're an employee and you think your employer has done something to infringe your employment rights or you're an employer and you're dissatisfied with something an employee has done, you should first try to sort out the matter informally.  If you cannot, then you should take the following steps.

  1. Put the complaint in writing
  2. Hold a meeting to discuss the problem
  3. If you're not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, hold an appeal meeting

These three steps give employers and employees in every workplace where a dispute can't be resolved informally an opportunity to look at the problem again without having to take the matter to an industrial tribunal or the Fair Employment Tribunal.

To help employers and employees understand what they need to do if a dispute occurs, we have produced guidance which can be found on our Quick Links and PDF Links page.

Note that if you can't resolve a dispute by discussing the issue at work, it may be best to obtain the assistance of a professional, independent conciliator of the Labour Relations Agency.  The Agency also provides a helpline for employers and employees seeking advice about employment issues.  Telephone 028 9032 1442 or 028 7126 9639 for further information.