The Government has commissioned an independent review of the statutory dispute resolution procedures, (disciplinary and grievance procedures to you and me). Surprise surprise – the recommendation from Michael Gibbons, who undertook the review, is for the “complete repeal of the statutory dispute procedures set out in the 2004 Dispute Resolution Regulations”.
Hurray – I hear you all shout – common sense prevails. Well in theory – yes. However before you get too excited, the current regulations are unlikely to be repealed before the 2008/2009 financial year and then only when something else has been put in their place.
Mr Gibbon’s recommendations are sound and sensible, including introducing a new process to settle monetary disputes such as wages, holiday pay and redundancy without the need for a tribunal hearing, simplifying the claim and response forms which have been mucked about with so often they are mushrooming out of all proportion and simplifying employment law – Halleluiah!!!.
The Government has published a consultation paper regarding the way forward which can be found at http://www.dti.gov.uk/consulations/page38508.html .
What will happen in the mean time will be intriguing – given that there is a clear acknowledgment that the current regulations are flawed.
Interesting times!
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