If you have issues related to sickness, bullying and harassment, change of role or duties, pay, flexible working, discrimination, or parental leave, check out our first-line guidance prior to contacting your trade union representative.
Regardless of the problem, the BDA recommends following these core steps:
Step 1
Identify and prepare: Define the issue, check your contract/policies, and gather evidence (emails, diary of events, witnesses).
Step 2
Raise it informally: Most issues are best resolved through a direct conversation or concise email to your line manager.
Step 3
Contact your BDA workplace representative.
Step 4
If you do not have a workplace representative contact the BDA Employment Relations Team.
Sickness absence
If you are facing challenges related to health and time off work:
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Understand your rights: Review your employer’s sickness policy and your contract for your specific entitlements regarding sick pay and notice requirements.
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Gather medical evidence: If the issue is impacting your health or your ability to return to work, obtain a note from your GP or request a referral to Occupational Health.
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Reasonable adjustments: If you have an underlying condition or disability, your employer may be required to make reasonable adjustments to help you remain in or return to work.
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Maintain records: Keep a personal log of all sickness-related communication and meetings with your manager.
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Contact your BDA workplace representative. If you do not have a workplace representative contact the BDA Employment Relations Team.
Bullying and harassment
Bullying involves persistent offensive, intimidating, or humiliating behaviour.
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Keep a detailed log: Document every incident, including dates, times, exactly what was said or done, and the names of any witnesses.
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Check policies: Look for your employer’s "Dignity at Work" or "Bullying and Harassment" policy to see the expected standards of conduct.
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Seek immediate advice: If you suspect the bullying is discriminatory (related to age, sex, race, etc.), contact the BDA Trade Union immediately, as strict legal time limits apply for claims.
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Desired outcome: Be clear about what you want to happen, such as for the specific behaviour to stop.
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Contact your BDA workplace representative. If you do not have a workplace representative contact the BDA Employment Relations Team.
Being asked to change your role / duties
This often relates to "contractual variations" or organisational restructures.
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Review your contract: Check your current job description and contract. Your employer generally cannot change significant terms (like your role or location) without your agreement.
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Ask for justification: Request a clear explanation for the proposed change and ask if it is a temporary or permanent request.
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Assess the impact: Determine if the new role is "reasonable and realistic" for you to perform based on your professional standards and current grade.
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Consult the union: Before agreeing to any new terms or signing a revised contract, contact the BDA for a case assessment.
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Contact your BDA workplace representative. If you do not have a workplace representative contact the BDA Employment Relations Team.
Pay and grading issues
If you believe you are not being paid correctly or are on the wrong grade:
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Check the standards: For NHS staff, refer to the Agenda for Change handbook for pay rates and grading profiles. Private sector members should refer to their specific contract.
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Gather evidence: Collect payslips, rosters, and job descriptions that show the work you are actually performing versus what you are being paid for.
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Informal query: Raise the matter with your manager or payroll department first; it may be a simple administrative error.
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Formal grievance: If the issue is not resolved, you can raise a formal grievance. Ensure you state the specific "grounds for your complaint" and have an idea of the preferred outcome you are seeking.
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Contact your BDA workplace representative. If you do not have a workplace representative contact the BDA Employment Relations Team.
As a member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA), you have access to a dedicated Trade Union team that provides bespoke support for workplace issues.
Below are advice sheets tailored to the specific issues you mentioned, incorporating current UK employment law and BDA-specific member benefits.
Discrimination advice sheet
Maternity & parental leave and pay advice sheet
Requesting flexible working advice sheet