Job Not Advertised Internally

[rogerab]

After some help please.
I work in change and am about to start a new project. I am currently operating at a higher level and was hoping to carry on doing this in my new project. However, the person given the higher role on the new project is a third-party contractor. The role wasn't advertised internally. I think that this is discriminatory that a contractor has been brought in at the detriment of myself and others who could be considered for the role, plus it wasn't advertised.
Have I a case for a grievance here?
Many thanks.

[fiction-factory]

You can try but you need to check the company's own policy on advertising for short term roles as it sounds as if it's a temporary role and presumably they think they need to bring in new skills

[Buenchico]

As long as they're operating in the best interests of the shareholders of their company (and not breaching any statutory regulations on discrimination, e.g. by race or gender) an employer is free to appoint staff by whatever criteria, and by whatever means, they so choose.

I used to work in a school where the headteacher was a firm believer that no teacher should stay in the same school for more than a few years. For that reason his strict policy was that he would never promote anyone internally if he could appoint someone from outside. (He couldn't prevent staff from seeing promoted posts advertised, because they were listed on a circular which was sent round to all schools in the city, but he'd seek out anyone in our school who might be eligible to apply and tell them not to bother even trying to). Such a policy, while unusual, is perfectly lawful, as is the one operated by your own employer.

[Maydup]

Sadly I dont think employment law will come into this as its not a new role and employment contract but a contract for a piece of work. Shame they didnt offer the project to you though, why would they award it to a contractor when they have an inhouse Project Manager? I woild submit a grievence based in that and at least you might find out the reason why?