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Independent review of dispute resolution – Terms of reference

The review will consider the options for simplifying and improving all aspects of employment dispute resolution, to make the system work better for employers and employees.  This includes looking at the current legal requirements, notably the 2004 Dispute Resolution Regulations, considering how Employment Tribunals operate and the scope for new initiatives to help resolve disputes at an earlier stage.  

Proposals emerging from the review should be genuinely deregulatory, reduce the complexity of the current system and reduce costs to business and employees.  They should preserve existing employee rights and ensure access to justice.   Proposals should be cost-effective for Government to implement.   
 
The review should involve interested parties including business representatives, unions and other interested parties in considering the options for change and drawing up proposals.     

The reviewer will report to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.  The review should deliver a set of recommendations to the Secretary of State, with supporting material outlining the thinking behind the recommendations and the views of key interested parties.  Interim findings should be reported to the Secretary of State in February 2007, and final recommendations should be provided by May 2007.

A secretariat of DTI officials is available to support the independent reviewer in developing recommendations and in obtaining feedback on emerging conclusions from the Secretary of State.  The Better Regulation Executive (based in Cabinet Office) will participate in the review.