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.
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