A NEW report on labour relations suggests using mediation within small and medium sized businesses as a way to avoid costly disputes.
The report was welcomed by Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry as it investigates attitudes towards employment rights and relations responsibilities amongst SMEs in Northern Ireland.
The DEL commissioned report examines attitudes among SMEs to their employment law obligations. It found that there is a need to improve guidance and support to help embed good practice and maintain effective working relationships and reduce the incidence of damaging disputes.
Performance and conduct issues were highlighted as leading causes of disputes.
Dr Farry said: “The findings from this research report have been fed into the Employment Law Review consultation which I am announcing today. They will inform the development of mechanisms to enhance SMEs’ understanding of and compliance with employment rights and relations good practice, thereby reducing scope for avoidable and costly workplace conflict.
“I am very interested to hear views on how we can do more to help the small and medium employers who make such a vital contribution to our economy. I strongly encourage the business sector to read the report and contribute to the wider consultation.”
The report recommends support and awareness raising to help SMEs embed good practice as well as the trialling of mediation as a way of resolving disputes at an early stage. The report suggests modest subsidies in support of these initiatives.
The research report into Employment Rights for SMEs survey is available online at http://www.delni.gov.uk/erresearch.
The consultation will last for 16 weeks until November 5. The consultation document can be found at: http://www.delni.gov.uk/consultation-zone.