Question 1

What should I do if I'm being bullied at work?

Accepted Answer

Start documenting everything immediately. Record dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and who witnessed it. Keep your own records separate from work systems. Under the Equality Act 2010 and ACAS guidelines, you have the right to raise a formal grievance. Nessa helps you document incidents with your voice and organises everything automatically.

Question 2

How do I raise a grievance at work?

Accepted Answer

First, check your company's grievance procedure in your employee handbook. Write a formal grievance letter to your manager or HR, setting out the facts clearly with dates and evidence. If it involves your direct manager, address it to their manager or HR directly. Your employer must follow the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures. Keep copies of everything.

Question 3

What is ACAS early conciliation?

Accepted Answer

ACAS early conciliation is a free service you must use before making an employment tribunal claim. You contact ACAS, and they try to help you and your employer reach an agreement without going to tribunal. The process can take up to six weeks. You receive an early conciliation certificate whether or not agreement is reached, which you need to proceed to tribunal.

Question 4

What counts as workplace harassment?

Accepted Answer

Under the Equality Act 2010, harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates your dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Protected characteristics include age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. It can be verbal, physical, or written, including emails and messages.

Question 5

Can I be sacked for raising a grievance?

Accepted Answer

No. Dismissing you for raising a grievance could constitute unfair dismissal or victimisation under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Equality Act 2010. If your employer treats you badly after you raise a complaint, this is retaliation and is unlawful. Document everything that happens after you raise your grievance.

Question 6

How long do I have to make an employment tribunal claim?

Accepted Answer

You generally have three months minus one day from the date of the incident (or the last in a series of incidents) to start ACAS early conciliation, which is the first step before a tribunal claim. The clock stops during conciliation. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to claim, so act promptly and document incidents as they happen.

Question 7

What is constructive dismissal?

Accepted Answer

Constructive dismissal is when you resign because your employer's conduct has made it impossible for you to continue working. Your employer must have committed a serious breach of contract, such as failing to address harassment, making unreasonable changes to your role, or creating an intolerable working environment. You need strong documentation of the issues and evidence you tried to resolve them before resigning.

Question 8

What evidence do I need for an employment tribunal?

Accepted Answer

You need contemporaneous notes (records made at or near the time of events), dates and times of incidents, names of witnesses, copies of relevant communications (emails, messages, letters), your employment contract, any grievance correspondence, and medical evidence if your health has been affected. The more detailed and timely your documentation, the stronger your case.

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