Employment relations service Acas has issued a revised code of practice on discipline and grievance, which is available for public consultation.
The code, which seeks to encourage organisations to resolve disputes internally, has been revised due to the changes being made to workplace dispute resolution by the Employment Bill, particularly the removal of the statutory dismissal and discipline procedures.
“The new code is a key element in the government’s plans to streamline and simplify the dispute resolution system to the benefit of employers and employees,” said Pat McFadden, minister for employment relations. “It will complement the removal of statutory measures by establishing flexible, principles-based guidance to help resolve disputes early.”
John Taylor, chief executive of Acas, said that the revised code is one of the first steps to simplify the dispute resolution process set out by the Michael Gibbons review.
“The draft that we have issued for consultation today draws on Acas’ wide experience of resolving workplace issues and will help employers and employees deal with disciplinary and grievance issues in a fair and effective way. The key is for business to act early to prevent any long-term consequences.”
The code provides guidance to employers and employees for dealing with grievances in the workplace. Copies can be obtained from the Acas website and the deadline for comment is 25 July 2008.