Information and consultation of employees is a cornerstone of modern employee relations. Although the UK has not traditionally regulated workplace representation by law, the need to comply with EU Directives, among other reasons, has led to the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations.
These regulations are a minefield of ambiguities, reflecting the UK's attempt to come to terms with an EU social model. They are not, however, only an additional requirement for employers - they also provide an opportunity to improve dialogue between employers and employees, partly through greater employee consultation.
EEF’s HR & Legal team can provide practical guidance on the Information and Consultation Regulations. UK businesses need to ensure that they understand their obligations under the 2005 law and use it to their own advantage.