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Call for change to dispute procedures
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25/10/2007
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Acas Chair, Rita Donaghy, has called for a significant change to the current procedures for resolving employment disputes and emphasised the need to tackle disputes at the earliest stage.
Opening the discussions at the TUC conference at an Acas fringe meeting, Donaghy highlighted the need for a new system and welcomed the opportunity to discuss what this should be and how it might work. Key speakers in UK employment relations, including Pat McFadden, Minister of State for Employment Relations and Postal Affairs, debated possible approaches and the way forward for the new dispute resolution procedures.
Donaghy said: “Getting the balance right of protecting and treating workers fairly as well as encouraging employers to have clear procedures is vital. This is a great opportunity to debate the way forward for resolving workplace disputes and to be a part of shaping the new system. Acas' current guidance is the obvious building block for preventing disputes happening in the first place through good employment relations.
“Prevention really is better than cure, and with the average employment tribunal claim costing £9k it's also much cheaper. Every opportunity should be given to resolve disputes in the workplace before resorting to court action.
“Where this is not possible, the system must allow for a quick, effective resolution that is fair to all parties. We understand that the government is due to give its formal response to the Gibbons consultation shortly and we look forward to working closely to make it a success.”
Acas has over 30 years' expertise in good employment practice. For advice, information and training, employers and employees can visit the website.
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Author
Chris Rowlands
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