Written question asked by Stephen O'Brien (Conservative) on Friday, 17 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 October 2004. It was answered by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Monday, 18 October 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what her assessment is of the likely effect of the new Arbitration, Conciliation and Advisory Service codes extending to the employee a right of appeal against any disciplinary, grievance or dismissal decision made by their employer on (a) the volume of applications to employment tribunals and (b) small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Answer: Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her assessment is of the likely effect of the new Arbitration, Conciliation and Advisory Service codes extending to the employee a right of appeal against any disciplinary, grievance or dismissal decision made by their employer on (a) the volume of applications to employment tribunals and (b) small and medium-sized enterprises. [189809] Nigel Griffiths: It is widely accepted good practice for employees to have the right of appeal against any dismissal, disciplinary or grievance decision. This has always been reflected in the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures and the revised Code does not differ from the previous version in this respect. This position is reinforced by the new Dispute Resolution Regulations (which came into force on 1 October 2004) that will make the right of appeal a statutory requirement. The Government do not expect this to have any impact on the volume of tribunals applications.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 425 c446W; 189809
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Disciplinary proceedings Codes of practice Appeals Applications ACAS Employment Tribunals Small businesses Grievance procedures
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk