Early mediation will reduce the trauma of tribunals

1/31/2012 9:16 AM EST

Early mediation can resolve staffing issues before they escalate and save companies thousands in legal and other costs, the Managing Director of employment law specialist Bibby Consulting & Support has said.

Michael Slade issued this advice to all small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) after the government announced the start of two new pilot mediation schemes in Cambridge and Manchester. The schemes will involve funding mediation training for employees in 24 SMEs in each network area.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said the scheme was a result of its 'resolving workplace disputes' consultation and formed part of a plan to reform the employment tribunal system. The idea is to use networks of trained mediators to resolve disputes before they reach the employment tribunal stage.

Slade said: "We support the government’s notion that disagreements in the workplace must be dealt with at the earliest possible opportunity and that tribunals should be the absolute last resort for employees and employers alike.

"By tackling issues when they first arise, SMEs could avoid having to take their staff through formal discipline and grievance procedures. It is in everyone's interest to avoid the time-consuming, complex and often stressful employment tribunal process, so a move to mediation is a positive step which we wholeheartedly support."

The pilots will run for 12 months and, if successful, the government is looking to introduce them into other areas of England, Scotland and Wales.