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Dispute Resolution Regulations

Volume 408: debated on Wednesday 9 July 2003

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The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
(Mr. Gerry Sutcliffe)

I have today published a consultation paper on draft Regulations to implement Part 3 of the Employment Act 2002. The consultation period will run until 29 October 2003. During this time views on the regulations will be sought from all stakeholders.The regulations are part of an inter-related package of secondary legislation under the Employment Act concerning the resolution of individual employment disputes. I expect to publish new employment tribunal regulations in the Autumn, and that the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service will revise their statutory Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures early next year. The Government intends that all these measures will come into force together in October 2004.The dispute resolution regulations concern the application of statutory minimum discipline and grievance procedures in the workplace. Their introduction will be supported by a broad-reaching publicity and guidance campaign to inform small firms and their employees. I have arranged for copies of the consultation paper and other related documents to be placed in the Libraries of the House.