INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION REGULATIONS

The Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004 ("the Regulations") were laid before Parliament last December.  The Regulations have now been approved by both the House of Commons and House of Lords, and will take effect on 6 April 2005.

The new Regulations will allow employees the right to request the negotiation of an agreement to put in place a procedure to inform and consult with workforce representatives on a variety of business issues. 
The Regulations will initially only apply to businesses with 150 or more employees.  In April 2007, however, the Regulations will extend to all businesses with 100 or more employees.  Further, by April 2008, all businesses with 50 or more employees must ensure compliance with the Regulations.  Once fully implemented, the Regulations will only apply to 3 per cent of businesses in the UK, but these businesses employ 75 percent of UK employees.

During the Spring of 2005, Magrath LLP's employment department will be presenting a series of seminars to consider the effect of the Regulations and how best to implement them in the workplace.  Information about these seminars and how to book a place will follow under separate cover. 

19th January 2005