Dispute prevention Posts

From my experience one of the flaws of most conflict resolution and mediation courses is their inability to deal with the one on one confrontations. They do not train the would be mediator to dealing and handling conflicts. Yes, the model often gets the mediator or manager to identify issues, develop strenths and weaknesses, apply some pressure but what about giving tips on handling one on one conflict. Let's face it. Most managers dread conflict.    I believe that mediation is....

According to Acas, it has stopped 8,988 workplace grievances becoming claims, saving employers a total of £46.7m. Of the 12,394 early conciliation cases completed at Acas so far, just 3,406 have ended up as tribunal claims, the arbitration body said. Employers using early conciliation can also save on "hidden costs" associated with tribunal claims, such as stress and time dealing with cases, Acas said. On average managers spend nine days on paperwork once a claim reaches cou....

It is quite clear that the government would desperately like to cut the court costs with talk of increasing the length of service for employees being entitled to make an unfair dismissal claim, cutting the legal aid costs and increasing use of mediation in civil disputes. This may help employers but we have been here before with the Gibbons Review which called for greater use of mediation in employment disputes largely being ignored.   An even more ....

According to a recent article in the Scottish Sun, the Conservatives in Scotland are attacking Scotland's public sector "sick-note" culture - and using a new hotline to cure it.  Figures released by the party showed Scots councils' staff were off ill up to three weeks a year on average. Scottish Tory Finance spokesman Derek Brownlee said the scheme - currently on trial in the NHS in England - would drastically reduce absences. Under it, workers....

It is reported this week that more than half of UK workers (54 per cent) would welcome a stress counselling services provided by their employer, a survey has found. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) study spoke to 1,440 employees, who said they would benefit from more support to deal with work stresses and the effects of the recession. Nearly a third of respondents (29 per cent) said they wanted more emotional support from their employer to help cope with stress in....

Human Law Mediation has just published a new FREE White Paper - Negotiating for Excellent Results. It's a must read for anyone trying to get the best out of business transactions or facing difficult negotiations with employees, customers or suppliers.As well  as providing a 10 step plan for effective negotiations which enable you to negotiate with power and persuasion the White Paper has useful advice on when to try and negotiate yourself and when to step away and seek professional help. ....

We are gearing within employment disputes to the implementation of a new employment regime and the new Acas code which takes effect from 6th April. This is being picked in the legal press with a senior employment lawyer warning that ‘common sense is not that common’ as the government revealed a new code for resolving workplace disputes. The new Acas code, which takes effect from 6 April, replaces the three-step grievance and disciplinary system of written statement, meeting and....