Employee Relations

Employee Relations

Trades Unions may or may not feature in your organisation but, whether your employees have formal representation in the workplace or not, your business will undoubtedly benefit from good employer/employee relationships. Developing a communication and consultation process that involves everyone in the organisation – both employees and volunteers - will enhance the clarity of purpose and help to give everyone a sense of belonging. A starting point is to produce a policy statement – NCVO provides an ‘Example Policy Statement on Employee Communication and Involvement’

Employers also need to be prepared for any eventualities, including the possibility of needing to downsize or to restructure which may involve staff redundancies. The Department of Trade and Industry and ACAS provide expert advice in this area to assist both employer and employee. The guidance notes below will lead you through the process but, should your organisation be considering changes, then you are advised to contact ACAS or your organisation’s legal advisors directly for more in-depth advice.

Guidance Notes Communicating with Your Employees and Volunteers

• Consulting Employees and Volunteers – NCVO
• Example Policy Statement on Employee Communication and Involvement – NCVO

Guidance Notes on Employee Consultation

• Employee Representatives and Trades Unions – Business Link
• Redundancy Arrangements – Department of Trade and Industry
• Employee Consultation – Department of Trade and Industry