This equipment was donated by Thompsons solicitors Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures & Employment Tribunal Rules: fairness or fudge? Wednesday 13 June 2007

Review of the Dispute Resolution Regulations: A More Flexible Future? Ron Woods Assistant Director, Individual Conciliation Policy, Acas National Institute of Employment Rights G&D Wednesday 13 th June 2007

Dispute Resolution Regulations review - background Government committed to review in two years Michael Gibbons appointed Dec 2006, reported Mar 2007 Recommended major changes covering: –Resolving disputes in the workplace –Resolving disputes beyond the workplace –Employment Tribunal processes and practices Formal public consultation on the DTI website at: (closes 20th June) Government will publish conclusions later this year Institute of Employment Rights G&D Wednesday 13 th June 2007

Removal of the statutory three-step procedures -any unintended consequences? Role of procedure in unfair dismissal New / updated guidelines on resolving disputes -mechanism to encourage parties to follow guidelines? -incentives / penalties? Employer and employee bodies to encourage and promote early resolution Institute of Employment Rights G&D Wednesday 13 th June 2007 Resolving disputes in the workplace

New / enhanced advice service Single entry point for employment tribunal claims New quick approach for straightforward claims More early conciliation of disputes -Priorities? Remove fixed periods for Acas conciliation Institute of Employment Rights G&D Wednesday 13 th June 2007 Resolving disputes beyond the workplace

Employment Tribunal processes and practices Institute of Employment Rights G&D Wednesday 13 th June 2007 Simplified forms “Statement of loss” when making claim Unified time limits and grounds for extension -what should they be? Improved procedures and case management Simplified management of multiple claimant claims Powers to manage weak and vexatious claims Role of lay members Recommendations on discriminatory policies and practices

Dispute Resolution Regulations review – Acas perspective Institute of Employment Rights G&D Wednesday 13 th June 2007 Acas supports a package of measures which include : the repeal of the statutory procedures revised and strengthened statutory Acas Code or Codes of Practice enhanced information and advice services for employers and employees additional resources for conciliation / mediation before and after claims presented to the tribunal removal of fixed periods for conciliation proactive case management through which tribunals encourage parties to resolve claims without the need for judicial determination

Further Information Institute of Employment Rights G&D Wednesday 13 th June 2007