Workplace relations tested to the limit

As the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) predicts a further 120,000 jobs will be lost in 2012, workplace relations look set to be tested to the limit says the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). The organisation which aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations says that being able to manage redundancies and restructuring in a constructive and positive manner puts organisations in a strong position for recovery. ACAS says when managing redundancies, it's essential for employers to ensure that they comply with the law to avoid tribunal claims later for unfair dismissal. When an employer proposes to make 20 or more employees redundant over a period of 90 days or less, they are obliged by law to consult both unions and individual employees and draw up a formal redundancy procedure. Employers also need to check whether any staff are legally entitled to redundancy payments. For more information click here.