Grievance or other?

[dfen5]

One for the HR people..

If another employee within the company makes a defamatory statement (in this case an assumption) about you in an Email, Cc'd to the MD, would this be covered by the grievance procedure or is there another route one should take?

[carlingofblack]

Depends how seriously you want to follow this up and genuinely how aggrieved you feel. Yes, I'm sure there will be an offical policy that covers you against unsavoury remarks or bullying in the workplace, however, you must weigh up what may happen if you make an official complaint and create a big song and dance etc.
A quiet word with the person in the presence of a senior colleague stating firmly and politely that this is not on may be the best approach....good luck with it.

[AJS-]

My rule of thumb is that it's best to sort these things out in the simplest way possible. Can you speak directly to the individual concerned? Ideally with the MD present, to address what was said, why and the mismatch with reality.

[scirocco265]

First step in most grievance procedures is to approach the person with whom you have a grievance. If that doesn't work then:
Step Two - approach their line manager, if that doesn't work:
Step Three - put your complaint in writing

Once an employer receives a written complaint, it has to treat it as a grievance i.e. hold a meeting, notify you of the outcome etc.