Recent statistics from the Employment Tribunal Service show that the number of cases rose last year by 43%.  A total of 189,303 claims were accepted in 2007/2008, compared with 132,577 in 2006/2007.

Regular readers of Openbrief will know that the statutory dispute resolution procedures, which failed to achieve their purpose of reducing claims, will be abolished on 6 April 2009.  They will be replaced by a revised ACAS Code in a new attempt to encourage disputes to be resolved in the workplace and thus reduce the number of tribunal claims.

The “3 step” rule for dealing with disciplinary and dismissal procedures will no longer be mandatory. However, under the revised Code employers are still required to deal with disputes reasonably, but it aims to be more flexible, informal and easier to understand. The Code will allow parties to call witnesses at meetings and to be given a reasonable opportunity to ask questions. Where issues cannot be resolved amicably the parties are advised to consider using an independent third party as a mediator.

At Lupton Fawcett we have have an accredited mediator who is an expert on conflict resolution.  We offer skill-based training that can be delivered in a modular form as well as third party independent mediation.  Both approaches aim to reduce the risk of conflict escalation but are delivered at a different stage.  If you would like to know more about this service please use the contact options below

Posted: March 27th, 2009 under Employment/HR.
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