Senior Community Legal Information Centre - Work & retirement - Age discrimination in employment - Grievances and related procedures


Age discrimination in employment

Grievances and related procedures

Employers should establish internal grievance procedures. In cases where employees think they are being discriminated against (including age discrimination), vilified or harassed, they should have the right to lodge a complaint without fear of reprisal. Complaints should be handled according to a clearly laid down procedure. Regardless of the position of the complainant or the alleged perpetrator, all complaints should be handled in the same way.

Employers should draw up procedures for redressing grievances together with their employees. These procedures should allow for discussion or conciliation between the parties concerned, as well as mediation by a neutral third party. Employers should also explain the complaint procedure to their staff and encourage them to make use of the grievance procedure when necessary.