How to deal with work disputes and problems

There are rules in place which should make you able to take action if you are having genuine issues at work. Issues of concern could include:

• The way you are treated at work or the behaviour of other employees;
• The terms and conditions of your contract;
• Tasks you are being asked to do at work; and
• Conditions in the workplace.

Disciplinary proceedings

Your employer may bring disciplinary proceedings against you if they feel that your behaviour in the workplace or performance in your role are of an unacceptable standard. Even in this situation, however, they are expected to follow appropriate procedures and treat you fairly.

If you are facing disciplinary proceedings in the workplace, make sure you know your rights and read up on what you can expect to happen with our guide to disciplinary procedures. You should also check your employer’s disciplinary procedure.

Guide to disciplinary procedures

Grievances

If you have a workplace issue which has not been dealt with to your satisfaction through informal means, you may want to consider raising a grievance. A grievance is a formal complaint that your employer will be obliged to investigate using appropriate and fair processes.

Whether your issue relates to your workload, poor management, the behaviour of other co-workers, or any other work problem, take a look at our post on grievances to find out what you should do next. You should also check your employer’s grievance procedure.

Grievances at work

Employment tribunals

If you feel that an issue at work has not been resolved properly despite having undergone your employer’s formal complaints procedures, you may want to consider having your case heard at an employment tribunal. Employment tribunals are independent bodies which can make a ruling on whether you are being treated unfairly at work.

For everything you need to know about the process, from the preliminary requirement of Early Conciliation to the presentation of your case, read our post about employment tribunals.

Guide to employment tribunals

Discrimination

It is illegal for your employer or other workers to discriminate against you at work. Discrimination includes situations where you are treated less favourably due to one or more of what are termed ‘protected characteristics’.

To find out more about the definition of discrimination and what to do if you have encountered it in the workplace, please read our guide to workplace discrimination.

Workplace discrimination

When work comes to an end

Leaving your job can be unpleasant, particularly if you do not agree with your employer’s approach or feel you were unfairly forced out. If you think your employer acted illegally in terminating your role, you may be able to make a claim.

To find out more about unfair dismissal and redundancy issues, take a look at our post about work coming to an end.

If you are made redundant or dismissed

Settlement agreements

In certain situations, you may want to consider a settlement agreement or compromise agreement with your employer. These are increasingly being used to reach resolutions which benefit both the employer and employee. DAS Law can help support you through the process to a suitable outcome.

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Health and safety

Your employer is required by law to ensure that your workplace is as safe as possible, and that any risks are recognised and minimised. Health and safety covers all kinds of workplace hazards, ranging from keeping people safe around dangerous machinery to maintaining a comfortable temperature in an office; and if your employer does not take it seriously there could be severe repercussions.

For more information about your employer’s responsibilities regarding health and safety in the workplace, take a look at our post about health and safety.

Health and safety at work