Workplace Disputes Reforms

Vince Cable Excerpts

Thursday 27th January 2011 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable)]

Today the Government have announced the next steps in our comprehensive review of employment laws. We have launched a consultation on proposals to improve the way workplace disputes are resolved and published an “Employer’s Charter” to give employers more confidence to take on workers and support growth.

In the consultation we are seeking views on measures to achieve more early resolution of workplace disputes so that parties can resolve their own problems, in a way that is fair and equitable for both sides, without having to go to an employment tribunal; ensure that, where parties do need to come to an employment tribunal, the process is as swift, user friendly and effective as possible; and help business feel more confident about hiring people (by increasing the qualifying period for employees to be able to bring a claim for unfair dismissal from one to two years).

The Employer’s Charter tackles the myth that employment protections are all one-way—towards the employee. It clearly sets out the most important rights that employers already have in the workplace.

The consultation will close after 12 weeks on 20 April 2011. During the consultation period we will seek views from a range of interested parties. Following consideration of the responses to the consultation, we will publish a Government response, setting out what we intend to take forward.

Copies of the consultation document have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.