A role for mediation?

The government is strongly in support of greater use of workplace mediation to resolve workplace conflict, and is stepping up plans to extend training for in-house mediators across workplaces of all sizes (see the government consultation, Resolving Workplace Disputes, 2011).

In principle, the TUC, along with several unions, recognises that mediation has a role to play in resolving workplace disputes as long as it is clearly voluntary, and provided that refusing mediation does not prevent an individual accessing an employment tribunal.

The TUC has produced joint guidance on good practice with Acas, Mediation: a guide for trade union representatives, available to download from the Acas website. The TUC and individual unions are very clear that the introduction and use of mediation must be negotiated and agreed in order for it to be effective in a workplace where unions are recognised. Acas, as a reputable, trusted and impartial organisation, is the TUC’s preferred mediator.