Skip navigation

investors in people logo
lexel accreditation logo
FSA Logo

newsletter thumbnail
Subscribe to and view our newsletter


 

Disputes cost UK firms 374,000 working days last year.

28th January 2010

New figures reveal the number of working days lost through industrial disputes in the UK has rocketed in recent months.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics, which measures figures monthly, an annual figure of approximately 374,000 working days were lost during the 12 months up to October 2009, with 90 separate stoppages occurring mainly in the public sector.

Around 175,000 days were lost in October 2009 through disputes, the increase mainly due to the postal workers strike, according to the ONS, although there were also disputes involving council and transport workers that led to industrial action.

The 12-monthly total is still less than half the figure for the 12 months to October 2008, when 840,000 days were lost through 139 labour disputes, involving more than half a million workers.

Putting in place appropriate procedures to deal with discipline and grievance could save employers money and other vital resources claims employment law partner, Michael Pitt of Pearson Hinchliffe Commercial Law.

Many employee disputes can be avoided by being prepared to deal with conflicts when they occur as quickly and amicably as possible, saving firms time, money, valuable productivity and hard-earned reputations, says Mr. Pitt.

“Employment disputes and conflicts are hot topics and ones that small to medium sized businesses do well to avoid running in to. Even in small well-managed teams conflict can rear its ugly head especially where people are under pressure. The cost to a business of not being alert to staff conflict can be counted not only financially but in the damage to staff morale and productivity.”

Prevention is better than cure

“My advice is to create open and honest dialogue with employees, with clear conflict resolution procedures in place from day one. By issuing an employee handbook (a statement of the policies of the business and how the business is to be conducted) and contracts of employment, misunderstandings or misstatements can be headed off before they occur – I regularly see a lack of these documentary measures ultimately create legal liabilities for businesses.”

“Regardless of the size or complexity of your business these steps will help to create a happy and contented workforce and reduce the potential for disputes”, concluded Mr. Pitt.

Contact Details: Michael Pitt

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

0161 785 3506

Contact form



August 2010
The insured has the freedom to choose own lawyer

FSA clarifies that legal expenses insurance must not limit freedom to choose a lawyer.

More
August 2010
Plans for additional paternity rights appear under threat

Uncertainty as Theresa May signals Coalition rethink of policy on parents' rights to leave, due to come in to force in April 2011.

More
July 2010
Compulsory retirement age to be axed from October 2011

The Government has today launched a consultation on its proposal to scrap the Default Retirement Age (DRA).

More
July 2010
Acas launches guidance on holiday rights as summer requests step up

Employers get advice on balancing requests for time off and their business needs at popular holiday times.

More
July 2010
Government delays Bribery Act implementation by six months

Anti-corruption law now to be introduced April 2011.

More
July 2010
HMRC Makes Residency Concession for Ash Cloud Sufferers.

Stranded foreign travellers won’t have to pay income tax if stranded in UK over 90 days.

More
August 2010

How to Conduct a Disciplinary Hearing

A recent presentation by Employment solicitor, Susan Mayall, setting out the stages for handling a disciplinary, referencing the ACAS Code of Conduct.

July 2010

Recent Case Study: Doing Battle in the Boardroom

How Pearson Hinchliffe Commercial Law helped members of the Board of Directors achieve the outcome they sought in their boardroom dispute with a senior executive director.

May 2010

How the Mergers & Acquisitions team helped Lanes Group PLC achieve their LAS sell-off

Drainage specialists dispose £12.3 million majority stake in Lanes Assistance Services.

March 2010

PH Employment Direct

The Employment team at Pearson Hinchliffe Commercial Law have created PH Employment Direct - a user-friendly and simple service that gives you access to the best advice at the end of a phone 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

February 2010

Oldham Construction Sector

On 3 February 2010 Corporate Commercial partner Roger Hinchliffe delivered a presentation entitled, ‘Joint Ventures’ to the Oldham Construction Sector group.

January 2010

Debt Recovery Service

With our specialist commercial Debt Recovery service you can significantly increase the speed and likelihood of recovering the money owed to your business.

October 2009

M&A Opportunities

A live selection of current assignments offered by Pearson Hinchliffe Commercial Law or those of our professional partner organisation,

August 2008

Franbar Holdings Limited –v- Patel and Others

Concerning the Derivative Actions introduced by the Companies Act 2006.