Overview

The Government's 2011 consultation 'Resolving Workplace Disputes' set out detailed proposals on how workplace dispute resolution could be changed so that employment tribunals become the very last resort for parties.

The objective of reducing reliance on the tribunal system results from a variety of factors: firstly, the Government needs to cut costs where it can due to the economic situation; secondly, the Government is convinced that fear of litigation is preventing businesses taking on staff and hence sees some current employment legislation as a barrier to much needed growth.

This briefing from Shoosmiths provides an overview of the Government's response to the consultation and outlines the four pronged approach to deliver its aim:

• early dispute resolution without the need for an employment tribunal;


• overhaul of employment tribunal rules;


• introduction of fees for claimants and financial penalties for employers; and


• miscellaneous changes to legislation (unfair dismissal, compromise agreements, protected conversations) to support employers.

Click 'View Briefing' to read the full details.