Industry news
Experts back mediation pilot scheme
Posted Mon, 30 Jan 2012
Employment experts have backed efforts to keep workplace rows out of the tribunal courts.
Ministers launched pilot schemes in Manchester and Cambridge with the aim of resolving employment issues through mediation. The schemes give small firms in the cities the option of calling on the services of mediators in the event of any issues, and a Civil Mediation Council spokesperson has offered the move his seal of approval.
Paul Randolph, from the Civil Mediation Council, said: "It is most encouraging to see the Government adopting such a pro-active approach to promoting the increased use of mediation in workplace disputes.
"Mediation presents a less costly, less stressful and more empowering way of tackling workplace disputes and the CMC are pleased that the Government share this view."
Mike Emmott, an adviser to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said: "We welcome the minister's support for helping organisations to migrate from a risk-averse, compliance-based culture to one that focuses on informal methods of resolving conflict. The Department for Business's proposals for pilot schemes to train individuals in mediation skills will help drive this agenda forward."
Copyright Press Association 2012