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