Employers are being given legal advice to manage a new workplace trend fuelled by artificial intelligence.
AI-generated grievances, complaints, and appeals are surging across the UK, according to more than half of HR professionals, who say employees are increasingly turning to AI tools to draft formal workplace complaints.
Tim Lang, partner in the employment team at Worcestershire-based mfg Solicitors, said: “We are seeing many more employers coming to us for advice on grievances that read as though they may have been drafted by a legal professional but in reality have been drafted using an AI tool.”
Mr Lang said these complaints often appear more severe than they are because they are “too lengthy and complex” and filled with “legal jargon and references to irrelevant or outdated legislation and case law.”
He warned that this trend can distract employers from the core issues and lead to unnecessary delays.
He said: “AI does not know or understand the full extent of the law or the individual issues of the complaint, so can only be guided by what a person puts in.
“This can make complaints appear more serious at first glance.”
Mr Lang advised employers to stay focused on the root of the grievance rather than becoming overwhelmed by complex wording.
He said: “The important thing is to identify the core concern rather than the language used, investigate the facts and follow established grievance procedures to ensure the issues are dealt with fairly and consistently.
“Meet with the employee, ask them to explain what their main issues are and don’t reply to grievances on a point-by-point basis.
“Whatever you do, don’t use AI to generate a response.”
He added that while AI-generated grievances may contain “unnecessary or irrelevant information,” they must still be taken seriously.
The rise in AI-drafted complaints comes at a time of significant change in employment law, including reforms that will allow employees to bring unfair dismissal claims much earlier in their employment.
Mr Lang said: “For smaller businesses, in particular, this is likely to increase the importance of how workplace concerns and grievances are handled.
“As employees gain access to rights much earlier in their employment, businesses need robust grievance processes in place from day one that are followed consistently.”
mfg Solicitors has offices in Worcester, Birmingham, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, the Black Country, Ludlow, and Telford.
Employers wishing for more advice can email Tim directly at tim.lang@mfgsolicitors.com or call 01562 820181.
