CMC Workplace Committee Endorse Plans Announced by the Minister for Employment Relations
The Minister for Employment Relations, Edward Davey, received the endorsement this week of the mediation community, for his plans to change Britain's approach towards resolving disputes at work.
In a meeting between the Minister and members of the Civil Mediation Council's Workplace Committee, chaired by Clive Lewis OBE and comprising representatives from the private mediation sector, The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the employment relations experts Acas, proposals to promote workplace mediation as an alternative to the current litigious route were discussed.
The Government's proposals include the setting up of a sector-specific pathfinder project in the retail sector, and the setting up of two regional pilot schemes intended to encourage use of mediation amongst small businesses.
It is clear that 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.
Paul Randolph, from the Civil Mediation Council, commended the initiative: "It is most encouraging to see the Government adopting such a pro-active approach to promoting the increased use of mediation in workplace disputes. We also warmly welcome the fact that the Government clearly looks to the CMC as a valuable partner in this initiative, working together to ensure that mediation becomes a recognised part of any process to resolve workplace and employment disputes. "
Adviser to the CIPD, Mike Emmott, was particularly enthusiastic about the potential to reorientate organisational attitudes towards disputes: "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."
Andrew Wareing; National Operations Director in Acas, was equally supportive: "Resolving disputes through discussion and agreement rather than confrontation is at the heart of Acas's ethos. We are delighted that Mr Davey, is making such a strong commitment to promoting the mediation approach to workplace disputes. We look forward to working with the private mediation industry to support the implementation of the government's proposals."
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