Consulting staff: guidance
Find out how you should consult staff about proposed changes, and use our model consultation letters to invite staff to express their views on issues such as staff restructures and changes to holiday and pay arrangements.
Contents
Planning a consultation
Consultation must take place before you make certain changes. A consultation means that you seek, consider, and listen to employees' views before making a decision.
It's helpful to:
- Start by agreeing the level of consultation
- Inform people what the decision-making process after the consultation will consist of
Legally, you must consult about issues involving:
- Possible redundancies
- Changes to employment contracts
- Changes to pensions
- A business transfer / TUPE
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) has advice on carrying out consultations with your employees. It includes tips on establishing a workplace forum to present ideas and listen to feedback.
Choosing a method
Consultation methods will vary depending on circumstances. As well as a workplace forum, you may use a formal agreement (also known as an ICE agreement, after the Information and Consultation of Employees regulations) to consult on significant issues.
Calling a staff meeting at which draft copies