DBERR publishes statement of forthcoming regulations
The DBERR has published its annual statement setting out the legislation that will be introduced in 2008, together with other key activity by DBERR that will impact on 2008 and beyond. Among the measures are pilot schemes looking at alternative forms of dispute resolution to prepare for the abolition of the statutory dispute resolution procedures brought about by the Employment Bill.
In taking forward the recommendations of the Gibbons review of employment dispute resolution, Acas will be running a pilot in 3 regions, covering about a quarter of the population, in 2008-9. The purpose of the pilots is to obtain important information on: (i) the types of conciliation that work best; (ii) how to identify cases which will benefit from early conciliation; and (iii) the resource and staffing implications of offering earlier conciliation. National roll-out incorporating the lessons of the pilot is planned for April 2009.
Progress will also be made towards extending the right to request flexible working to parents of older children. The right to request flexible working is currently available to parents of children under the age of six (or under the age of 18 if the child is disabled) and carers of adults aged 18 or over. The Government has launched an independent review looking at how far the right should be extended. Depending on the duration of the review, the extension will come into force in October 2008 or April 2009.
The annual statement can be viewed at:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file43194.pdf
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
