Following a thorough review of the statutory dispute resolution regulations that came into force on 1 October 2004, the government has decided to repeal them with effect from 6 April 2009.
The new system focuses much less on the formal mechanics of how to run a grievance or disciplinary hearing and more on the fairness of the procedure.
Unfortunately the transitional arrangements (which apply until the new procedures are fully in place) are almost as complicated as the old procedures.
The rules apply from 6 April 2009, so any complaint about something that happened wholly on or after that date must be pursued under the new rules.
They apply to employees only, not workers. In other words, anyone who has a contract of employment.
Under the new procedure, tribunals will rely on a new statutory code of practice produced by ACAS (the government’s conciliation agency) and judge if it has been followed.