Can an Agency Worker Raise a Grievance About Civil Service Staff?
Grievances, Discrimination and Evidence for Civil Service Agency Workers
Hello,
I have worked in a Civil Service organisation through an employment agency for around two years.
I enjoy the job and get along well with most people, but a small number of permanent employees have repeatedly behaved in a way that I believe is discriminatory. Some of the behaviour has been directed towards someone close to me who also works there.
I have considered reporting the matter formally, but I do not know whether the organisation’s grievance procedure applies to agency workers.
I am also unsure what evidence I would need. Much of the behaviour has happened in conversations, and I am worried that permanent employees will simply deny what was said.
Can I raise a grievance even though I am not a permanent Civil Servant, and how should I start documenting what has happened?
Quick Answer
The department’s employee grievance procedure may not apply to an agency worker in exactly the same way, but you can still raise discrimination or harassment concerns with both the agency and the Civil Service organisation where the conduct occurred. Ask each organisation to confirm the correct route and who will investigate the behaviour.
Read our Civil Service grievances guide for help choosing the route, building the evidence file and setting out a focused outcome request.
Need help with your own situation? Visit Get Tailored Advice or browse more questions in Advice.
How I Would Raise Discrimination Concerns as a Civil Service Agency Worker
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Continue reading to see who I would contact, how I would protect the evidence and how I would frame the complaint so that neither the agency nor the department simply passes responsibility elsewhere.
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