Upcoming Events :
Housing Seminar: Partnerships with the Public Sector – Avoiding the pitfalls
Thu 31 May 2012
Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London, SE1 9BB
Mediation networks to be trialled
Tue 24 Jan 2012
Employment relations minister Edward Davey has revealed details of the government's plan to trial new 'mediation networks' for resolving workplace disputes.
In an article for HR Magazine, the MP confirmed that regional pilots of the scheme are set to take place in Cambridge and the Greater Manchester area later this year.
Individuals from 24 selected small and medium-sized enterprises in these regions will be trained to become independent mediators, with the aim of helping to resolve common employment disputes without the need for legal action.
Sue Kelly, an employment partner at Winckworth Sherwood, commented: "Much will depend on the cost of such mediations, as we have found that, to date, many small and medium-sized enterprises have been deterred from this route, potentially a good one, by the additional cost."
Mr Davey said ministers will also work to "strengthen the provision and take-up of mediation" in central government, as well as throughout the private sector.
The government revealed a series of reforms to employment law in November last year, including a major overhaul of employment tribunals that is designed to streamline the system and save more than £10 million a year for businesses.
In addition, business secretary Vince Cable announced that all employment disputes will go to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to be offered pre-claim conciliation before progressing to a tribunal.
