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5th April 2007

NEWS IN BRIEF

Statutory Disputes Procedures

Following a wide-ranging review of the statutory disputes procedures introduced in 2004, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced a consultation. It says it wants “to review the way employment disputes are resolved, while preserving existing employees' rights”.

However, it is clear that the Government is contemplating a radical overhaul of the regulations, and even asks whether the current statutory dispute resolution regulations should remain.

The consultation asks if there should be:

• a new, swift approach for dealing with straightforward claims without the need for employment tribunal hearings
• a reformed tribunal system with simplified processes and timings
• an invitation to the CBI, TUC and other representative organisations to produce guidelines aimed at encouraging and promoting early resolution in the workplace
• Incentives for employers to make reasonable attempts to resolve a dispute early
• a redesigned tribunal application process, so potential claimants access the system through a new advice service, and receive advice on alternatives when doing so.

The consultation finishes on 20 June 2007 and relates to England, Wales and Scotland only. The Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland will develop a similar consultation for Northern Ireland.

To take part in the consultation, go to: www.dti.gov.uk/files/file38553.pdf
To read the review by Michael Gibbons, go to: www.dti.gov.uk/files/file38516.pdf