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09/07/2003
Shake-up of rules on workplace disputes announced
Plans for an overhaul of dispute resolution procedures for employees have been published by the government today.
Under the proposals, employers and employees will be required to follow a minimum three-stage process from October 2004 to ensure that disputes are discussed at work.
The process will require: the problem to be set out in writing with full details provided to the other party; both parties to meet to discuss the problem; and an appeal to be arranged if requested.
Use of these procedures is set out in draft regulations, flowing from the Employment Act 2002. They require all employers to have procedures in place to deal with disputes by October 2004, after which in most circumstances employees will not be able to make claims to employment tribunals about grievances unless they have previously raised a formal grievance at work, and employers who dismiss staff without using the statutory procedure will face an automatic finding of unfair dismissal against them.
Employment Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Disputes at work are expensive, stressful and disruptive for both employers and employees alike. But early, constructive discussion can produce solutions before problems escalate and working relationships breakdown.
"We want to establish new minimum standards that will help employers and employees resolve disputes before it is too late. We are consulting early on these draft regulations to allow businesses plenty of time to adjust to these changes."
Most employers already have fair and comprehensive disciplinary and grievance procedures and will not be affected by the proposed regulations.
The measures announced today will help employers without procedures, often smaller businesses, to solve disputes when they arise.
The public consultation will close on October 29 2003.
(GMcG)
Under the proposals, employers and employees will be required to follow a minimum three-stage process from October 2004 to ensure that disputes are discussed at work.
The process will require: the problem to be set out in writing with full details provided to the other party; both parties to meet to discuss the problem; and an appeal to be arranged if requested.
Use of these procedures is set out in draft regulations, flowing from the Employment Act 2002. They require all employers to have procedures in place to deal with disputes by October 2004, after which in most circumstances employees will not be able to make claims to employment tribunals about grievances unless they have previously raised a formal grievance at work, and employers who dismiss staff without using the statutory procedure will face an automatic finding of unfair dismissal against them.
Employment Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Disputes at work are expensive, stressful and disruptive for both employers and employees alike. But early, constructive discussion can produce solutions before problems escalate and working relationships breakdown.
"We want to establish new minimum standards that will help employers and employees resolve disputes before it is too late. We are consulting early on these draft regulations to allow businesses plenty of time to adjust to these changes."
Most employers already have fair and comprehensive disciplinary and grievance procedures and will not be affected by the proposed regulations.
The measures announced today will help employers without procedures, often smaller businesses, to solve disputes when they arise.
The public consultation will close on October 29 2003.
(GMcG)
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