EMPLOYMENT ACT 2002:DISPUTE RESOLUTION
A consultation on
proposals for the introduction of statutory dispute resolution procedures
Employment disputes are bound to arise from time to
time. Most employers and employees
recognise that it is best for these disputes to be raised first – and
preferably resolved – in the place of work, rather than in an employment
tribunal or court.
The costs associated with
employment disputes can be considerable, both in human and in financial terms.
They are stressful, disruptive and expensive for employees and employers
alike. Discussing problems in the
workplace will not solve all of them; but in many cases dialogue can be expected
to result in quick and flexible solutions, which preserve the employment
relationship.
The
Employment Act 2002 tackled this issue by establishing statutory minimum
dismissal and disciplinary and grievance procedures. These procedures will
create a strong incentive for the parties to attempt, in the first instance, to
resolve problems through dialogue. We
expect it to help forestall legal action, especially in those workplaces where
such procedures have not previously existed or been used.
This document sets out and seeks comments on the detail on how the
Government intends to implement these procedures.
The statutory minimum
procedures have been carefully designed with a particular emphasis on the needs
of small businesses and the people who work in them.
They are based on the principles of good regulation and have benefited
greatly from the contribution of many different stakeholder groups.
We will continue working hard during the course of this consultation to
talk to as many interested parties as possible, collecting views from businesses
of all sizes, trade unions, professional specialists, trade associations,
interest groups and individuals. This
consultation document will be of particular interest to small firms and their
employees and the organisations that represent them.
To
help us build highly effective Regulations, I would greatly welcome your views
on the proposals contained in this document by Wednesday 29 October 2003, to the
address shown below
Gerry
Sutcliffe
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
for Employment Relations, Competition and Consumers
Welsh,
Braille, large print and taped versions of
the document will be made available on request.
You can get printed copies from
the DTI Publications Orderline – tel: 0870 1502 500
The consultation ends on 29
October 2003. Please respond via post or fax or e mail to:
Niel Sutton
Dispute Resolution Team
Department of Trade and Industry
UG120
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET
Tel: 020 7215 5985
Fax: 020 7215 2635
E mail niel.sutton@dti.gsi.gov.uk
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