EEF guide to help companies with new Information & Consultation requirements

EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, one of the UK’s leading providers of employment law advice, has launched a comprehensive guide to help companies deal with the requirements of the Regulations implementing the EU Information and Consultation Directive which come into force today.

This guide explains employers' obligations under these Regulations and contains a "model" Information and Consultation Agreement with detailed guidance notes on each clause. It provides employers with practical advice on how they can take advantage of the flexibility that the Government has provided in the Regulations to introduce information and consultation requirements that will suit them and their employees.

The Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations affect employers with 150 or more employees from today and will require them to introduce a procedure for informing and consulting their employees on a range of business issues if requested to do so by 10% or more of their workforce. These Regulations will be extended to employers with 100 and more employees on 6 April 2007 and to employers with 50 or more employees on 6 April 2008.

EEF Deputy Director of Employment Policy, David Yeandle, said:

“Manufacturers recognise the importance of informing and consulting their employees and welcome the Government's positive response to our request for a flexible approach when implementing this legislation. EEF's guide helps employers to use this flexibility to develop information and consultation arrangements that can help them to achieve tangible business benefits."

The guide costs £60 and is available from enquiries@eef.org.uk. It is provided free to EEF member companies.

EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, has a membership of around 6,000 manufacturing, engineering and technology-based businesses and represents members' interests at all levels of government and within the wider policy community.

Comprising 11 regional Associations, the Engineering Construction Industries Association (ECIA) and UK Steel Division, EEF is one of the UK's leading providers of business services in health, safety and environment, employment relations and employment law, world class performance, education, training and skills.