What's New

For more information on the new Information and Consultation Training Workshops and Company Visits taking place in April and May go to the main site (see external links).

The basic training workshop has been designed to meet the needs of those who are just starting to develop employee involvement arrangements, whilst the advanced course is for those who want advice on how to get more out of their existing arrangements (see external links) for more details.

Alternatively, you may wish to visit another company to hear how they set up their consultation arrangements, the benefits they have experienced and challenges they faced. You can choose from a list of companies in different locations and with a range of employee involvement practices. The events are highly interactive and you will be accompanied by other delegates (see external links) to find out more details.

The Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations have now been in force for larger companies for almost one year. The CBI reports that ‘employers are stepping up to the challenge’ posed by new laws. Research tells us that nearly all British companies communicate in some way with their employees.

However, when asked by DTI whether firms could do more to fully involve their staff, nearly all those interviewed agreed. These firms also agreed that there are many business benefits from genuinely consulting staff.

Successful businesses constantly seek to improve their performance. By genuinely involving and consulting employees, a real and lasting culture change can be brought about.  Genuine consultation means employers providing real opportunities for their employees to express their views.  In short, it means employers listening to staff and taking their views into account when making business decisions.

With this in mind, see below for some helpful information to encourage organisations to explore ways that they can build on existing Information and Consultation practices for the benefit of business and employees.