| The government has
announced up to £37m of funding to prevent
work place disputes unnecessarily going to
employment tribunals. The measures are
part of a package designed to simplify the
dispute resolution system. The extra
funding will allow Acas to boost its
advice services to make sure it is never
too late to choose an informal resolution
instead of a tribunal hearing.
Minister for Employment Relations, Pat
McFadden, said:
‘The link between successful employment
relations and productivity is clear. Early
action can often prevent the need for
tribunals, bringing enormous benefits to
business and employees.
This new system will strike a balance
between ensuring workers can protect their
rights through employment tribunals while
helping them to resolve disputes as early
as possible.’
The changes are in addition to changes
introduced by the Employment Bill, which
is currently before Parliament. The Bill
proposes removing fixed periods for
conciliation after a claim is made to the
tribunal, enabling Acas to get involved at
any time until the tribunal reaches its
verdict. The Bill is designed to deliver
less formal processes to cut red tape and
deliver quicker decisions on more
straightforward claims. Initial estimates
suggest that this approach could save
businesses more than £175m a year.
Internet link:
Press release |
