FSB welcome streamlined dispute scheme

The Federation of Small Businesses has welcomed the new scheme to fast-track unfair dismissal disputes, launched by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna.

Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said the initiative would be welcomed by small businesses in Northern Ireland and that it has the potential to be considerably cheaper for businesses, as well as a time saver.

He added: “Anything which reduces red tape has to be positive for small businesses. We share the aspirations of this new scheme to reduce animosity, from long-term disputes by offering a non-adversarial approach of arbitration in the process of resolution.

Also commenting on the launch of the scheme, Pat McCartan, Chairman of the Labour Relations Agency said: "The introduction of this scheme provides an opportunity for employers, human resource professionals and trades union officials to review the means by which they seek to resolve unfair dismissal disputes. The non-adversarial approach of arbitration will be conducive to the full involvement of employment relations practitioners in the process of resolution."

The new Scheme is set to provide a voluntary alternative to tribunal hearings for the resolution of unfair dismissal disputes. It is hoped that the scheme will help parties involved in an unfair dismissal case have a faster, less costly, non-legalistic and confidential means of resolving their dispute. Hearings are likely to take place within six weeks of applications being lodged.

(MB)