November 22, 2011
Prime Minister, David Cameron, has confirmed that the government are to consult on the introduction of ‘protected conversations’ which would allow either employers or employees to request an ‘off the record’ discussion which could not then subsequently be brought up in Employment Tribunal proceedings.
During a speech on growth, he said “we will be consulting on the introduction of protected conversations, so a boss and an employee feel able to sit down together and have a frank conversation – at either’s request.”
Last month deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, had commented that such conversations could be used by employers wanting to have an open conversation about retirement with an employee, free from any accusation of ageism. In a speech to small businesses in East London, he said that the plans would allow employers and employees “to treat each other like human beings and not like potential litigants”
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) backed the plans. Neil Carberry, CBI Director of Employment said “the CBI has called for ‘protected conversations’ in the wake of the default retirement age being removed in April. These would provide a safe mechanism which builds confidence in management and helps businesses make better decisions.”
In his speech Mr Cameron went on to comment on the controversial new plans to increase the time period required to acquire unfair dismissal rights from one to two years. He said “this means anyone taking on a new employee can now be confident that they have two years to get the relationship right, rather than just one. And if things aren’t working out then they can end the relationship without being sued for unfair dismissal.”
