The Department of Trade and Industry and has launched a consultation to look at how to improve the way employment disputes are resolved. The consultation follows a wide-ranging independent review. The government has said that it is committed to piloting any new approach to dispute resolution that follows the consultation.

Alistair Darling welcomed the independent review, and said:

‘Workplace disputes are expensive and wasteful for employers and stressful for employees. We want to find the best way to reduce the numbers, get them solved earlier, and keep the system fair for everybody.’

Michael Gibbons, who carried out the review said:

‘In conducting this Review I was struck by the overwhelming consensus that the intentions of the 2004 Dispute Resolution Regulations were sound and there was a genuine attempt to keep them simple. However they have had unintended consequences which have outweighed their benefits. I have therefore made recommendations today to bring about effective resolution of disputes as early as possible.’

The DTI is seeking views from businesses, individuals, trade unions, representative bodies, and other interested parties. The consultation will close on 20 June 2007. To take part in the consultation and read the full press release click on the link below.

Internet link: DTI consultation