1. Southern Cross Industrial Dispute

2. What was the reason for the industrial dispute?
Troubled care home operator Southern Cross is facing an industrial dispute after the GMB union advised its members to refuse to sign up to revised working conditions.
The company is proposing to shed up to 3,000 jobs from its 44,000-strong workforce and has acknowledged that some staff will face inferior working conditions through the implementation of a standardised employment contract.

3. Action of The Trade Unionist
In a letter sent to all landlords immediately prior to the Southern Cross deal, GMB national officer Justin Bowden said: "We have instructed our members to refuse to sign up to any changes in their working conditions."

4. GMB
GMB is now seeking urgent talks with both Southern Cross and the landlords to clarify what is planned. Talks with the company are scheduled for next Tuesday 21st June on the proposals made to GMB by Southern Cross to cut labour costs by at least £20 million.
This dispute has occurred very recently and therefore it takes 90 days for consultation.

5. ACAS
Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations.
The Acas Arbitration Scheme is an alternative to employment tribunal hearings.
Only cases of alleged unfair dismissal or claims under flexible working legislation may be decided.

6. How could ACAS have helped?
ACAS can work with the business to:
develop and implement redundancy policies and procedures
develop redundancy consultation groups
develop legally compliant redundancy selection criteria
resolve workplace disputes.
ACAS can provide training on:
redundancy handling for managers
training redundancy consultation representatives
understanding the significance of notice periods
restructuring your business. 
These can all help to make the dispute between the southern cross and its employees fairer and more manageable. ACAS works with the business to help it understand what needs to be done to address a range of issues related to redundancy and notice and then work with the business and the employees to develop practical solutions

7. When can a business lay off workers?
When there is an express contractual right agreed between you and your employee, an agreement covering the issue between the company and the union, or a national agreement for the industry that you follow.