Release date: May 2009

Last year ACAS finally published the final version of its new code for statutory dispute resolution procedures and it came into force on April 6th 2009. There are many obligations for employers, but this new version adds requirements for employees.

Employees must now:

• Act consistently
• Raise all issues promptly and a formal grievance without unreasonable delay
• Set out the nature of their grievance and the grounds of any appeal in writing
• Make every effort to attend and not unreasonably delay meetings
• Give advance notice of wanting to call witnesses to disciplinary hearings
• Use the internal appeal procedure if they consider a disciplinary decision is wrong or a grievance decision unsatisfactory

These amendments undoubtedly redress the balance between employers and employees and offer good practice recommendations aimed at promoting good employment relations.

Chris Wiper, Senior Partner at Close Thornton, specialises in employment law and can advise on employment related disputes. He can be contacted at: chris.wiper@close-thornton.co.uk or call 01325 466461

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