The structure that works
- Heading: your name, your employer's legal name, the type of complaint and the date of the contravention.
- Summary: two or three sentences saying what happened and what you want.
- Facts in date order: short numbered paragraphs, each with a date.
- Legal basis: the Act that applies to your complaint (for example the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2015 or the Payment of Wages Act 1991).
- Evidence: a numbered list of the documents you rely on.
- Outcome sought: for example compensation, unpaid wages, or reinstatement.
Example wording
Re: Complaint by [your name] against [employer legal name]
Type of complaint: [unfair dismissal / unpaid wages / etc.]
Date of contravention: [date]
1. Summary
I was employed by [employer] as [job title] from [start date] to [end date]. On [date] [what happened]. I am asking the Adjudication Officer to [outcome sought].
2. Facts
2.1 On [date] [event].
2.2 On [date] [event].
2.3 On [date] I [what you did, e.g. raised a grievance in writing].
3. Legal basis
This complaint is made under [Act and section].
4. Evidence
A. Contract of employment.
B. Payslips for [period].
C. Email of [date] from [name].
5. Outcome sought
[Compensation of EUR amount / payment of EUR amount / other].
Remember this is a structure, not legal advice. Keep each paragraph to the facts, and attach the evidence you list.
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How to file a WRC complaint · WRC time limits · Unfair dismissal letter · Unpaid wages letter