Press Release
15 September 2006
Trade Union activity boosted by mediation
The face of trade union activity in the UK has changed over the past decade and as a result all parties have had to acquire more sophisticated negotiating techniques. The introduction of private dispute resolution procedures, such as mediation, has been welcomed by many in the industry as a booster facility in the ‘tool-box’ to facilitate the effective resolution of industrial and workplace disputes.
At the Trade Union Congress in Brighton this week, attended by the Prime Minister Tony Blair, the ADR Group presented a video highlighting how mediation can be utilised by those responsible for the management of industrial and workplace related disputes. The video clip as shown at the Congress can be viewed by clicking here
Michael Lind, Managing Director of ADR Group said “The interest shown in mediation through-out the TUC Congress this week has confirmed the shift in modern business and union thinking. All parties now recognise the importance of pro-active dispute resolution methods that are designed to assist employers and unions tackle conflict effectively at the earliest juncture thereby minimising damage to business profitability and reputation, whilst balancing the needs and interests of business’ most important asset - its human resource.”
ADR Group has been instructed on an increasing number of collective workplace and individual employment disputes and reports a 10% increase in mediation activity year on year. Alex Bevan, Managing Partner of Bevans Solicitors and an ADR Group Accredited Mediator said “Increased regulation and protection of employees’ rights leads to an inevitable increase in employment and workplace conflict. Mediation provides a real and effective alternative to the cost and anguish involved in seeking resolution through employment tribunals or the courts.”
In May this year CEDR announced that workplace conflicts cost UK businesses £33 billion every year, highlighting the true damage business inflicts on itself through poor conflict management.
For furhter information on the Trades Union Congress visit the TUC website at http://www.tuc.org.uk/index.cfm
About ADR Group
ADR Group is the leading professional alternative dispute resolution company in the UK. We are highly regarded both nationally and internationally as an authority in mediation and other cost-effective dispute resolution and prevention techniques spanning commercial, public-sector and family disputes.
The Group delivers a wide range of dispute resolution training programmes through its training faculty, with all programmes recognised and approved by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council. ADR Group is also recognised as an accredited mediation provider by the Civil Mediation Counsel, the UK’s leading mediation standards organisation.
ADR Group is an organisation supporting initiatives approved by the Department for Constitutional Affairs, the Court Service and various Court based mediation schemes around the country. The Group formed part of the European Commission’s ADR working party on the drafting and implementation of the EU ADR Code and Directive. ADR Group operates an International ADR Development Programme and has delivered mediation awareness and Judicial training programmes funded by the British Embassy, the Department for International Development and the World Bank Group.
For further information contact
Katie Vander Woerd
E: Katie.vander-woerd@adrgroup.co.uk
T: +44 (0) 117 946 7180.
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