Victimisation Complaint Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to complain about being treated badly after raising a discrimination complaint, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong victimisation complaint should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Reference the earlier discrimination complaint made
• Describe the detrimental treatment received since making that complaint
• State this constitutes victimisation under the Equality Act 2010
• Request immediate action and a formal meeting

What makes victimisation a separate, distinct complaint

Victimisation under the Equality Act 2010 is being subjected to a detriment specifically because you did a "protected act" — raising a discrimination complaint, supporting someone else's complaint, or giving evidence in relation to one. This protection exists precisely so people aren't deterred from raising genuine concerns by fear of retaliation, and it's treated as a separate wrong from the original discrimination complaint itself.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of the original protected act — the discrimination complaint or related action you took
• A clear account of the treatment you've experienced since, and how it differs from before
• Why you believe the treatment is connected to the original complaint, not coincidental
• What outcome you're seeking

Timing is important evidence here

A clear, close timeline between raising the original complaint and the negative treatment starting is often the strongest evidence in a victimisation case — while timing alone isn't conclusive proof, a sudden change in treatment shortly after a complaint is a pattern tribunals take seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my original complaint need to have been upheld for victimisation protection to apply?
No — you're protected as long as the original complaint was made in good faith, regardless of whether it was ultimately upheld.

Can I be victimised for supporting someone else's complaint, not just my own?
Yes — giving evidence or otherwise supporting a colleague's genuine discrimination complaint is itself a protected act.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Name of Contact / HR Manager]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Company Postcode]
[Date]

Dear [Name of Contact / HR Manager],

Subject: Formal Grievance – Victimisation

I am writing to raise a formal grievance about detrimental treatment I have received at work. I believe this is unlawful victimisation under [section 27 of the Equality Act 2010 / in Northern Ireland: the equality law that covers the original complaint].

The treatment started after I did a protected act. On [Date], I [describe it, e.g. raised a formal complaint of race discrimination / gave evidence as a witness in a colleague's sex discrimination grievance].

Since then, I have been subjected to the following:
• [Date] – [e.g. I was excluded from team meetings that I usually attend.]
• [Date] – [e.g. My request for standard training was refused without a clear reason.]
• [Date] – [e.g. I received an unjustifiably poor performance review from my manager.]

I believe this treatment is because of my protected act. The law protects employees from being treated badly for raising or supporting a discrimination complaint.

Please arrange a formal grievance meeting, investigate these incidents, and confirm what steps will be taken to put this right.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]