Resolving Workplace Disputes
23rd November 2011
The Government have today published their response to the Resolving Workplace Disputes Consultation.
The Government emphasises mediation and believes it has a central role in changing the whole culture of employee relations. There is a strong emphasis on mediation having a positive impact on early resolution.
The report highlights
– a focus on smaller businesses
– piloting of regional mediation networks
– retail sector pilot to devolve mediation experience down through supply chain to SME´s and micros.
The Government commits to a long term reform programme to ´build a new approach to resolving workplace disputes so that the use of mediation to resolve disputes becomes a more accepted, and trusted, part of the process.´
The report highlights the barriers to small business in using mediation, including costs. Steve Hindmarsh Ltd supports the report´s balancing focus on the wider business and cost benefits of using mediation. Resolved conflict can lead to high-trust relationships, healthier working environments, effective communication, better problem-solving and a better atmosphere at work.
The Government aims to reduce the cost barrier for smaller business by ´funding mediation training for suitable candidates, from selected SMEs and Micros through a regional mediation training scheme.´
The full report can be seen – here.
