Statutory Dispute Resolution Procedures - DTI consults on simplifying and improving the procedures

View the previous news item for Dispute Resolution Procedures

The current statutory dispute resolution procedures came into operation in October 2004. In December 2006, Michael Gibbons was asked by the DTI to review the way in which the procedures were being used and recommend ways in which they could be simplified and improved.

The Gibbons Review was published in March 2007 and, although acknowledging that there is consensus that the intentions of the original Regulations were sound and that there was a genuine attempt to keep the procedures simple, the Review indicates that the procedures have had unintentional consequences which have outweighed their benefits.

The DTI has now published a consultation document that seeks views from businesses, individuals, trade unions, representative bodies, and other interested parties on whether 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 application process to tribunals application process, so potential claimants access the system through a new advice service, and receive advice on alternatives when doing so.

The consultation will close on 20 June 2007. A consultation response form is available and comments can also be made online. This consultation relates to England, Wales and Scotland. The Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland will consult on similar proposals for Northern Ireland.

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Further information:
DTI consults on streamlined workplace dispute resolution
Success at work: resolving disputes in the workplace: a consultation
Resolving disputes in the workplace: consultation response form
Better dispute resolution: a review of employment dispute resolution in Great Britain