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Government consults on dispute resolution changes

14 July 2008

The government has launched a consultation on what law changes may now be needed in relation to dispute resolution following measures listed in the employment bill.

The bill, currently being considered by parliament, follows the Gibbons Review on the current dispute resolution system and is complemented by further measures set out by the new consultation.

According to the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), some of these may require secondary legislation.

Points include transitional arrangements for implementation of the measures set out in the bill.

Also being considered is a rule change which would allow the notification to the Employment Tribunals Office of an Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)-conciliated settlement to act as a "trigger" for the withdrawal and dismissal of a case without the need for a separate application.

Also included are proposals on the wider transformation of the tribunals service including the "extension of powers to allow for the removal of a president on the grounds of misconduct".

Acas is itself currently working on a consultation relating to non-statutory guidance on handling discipline and grievances in the workplace.