20 June 2003
The government has accepted union, industry and local government proposals to settle disputes over the two-tier workforce this week.
The announcement by local government minister Nick Raynsford brings to an end 18 months of bitter negotiations and paves the way for similar deals in the public sector to protect new workers in outsourced services.
The alternative dispute resolution (ADR) model will be incorporated into the employment code that governs all local government contracts. The code stipulates that any new starters will enjoy terms and conditions no 'less favourable' than those of existing colleagues.
The ADR gives the code teeth and sets out the process for settling disputes over employment conditions.
It sets a time limit of 40 days to resolve any disagreements and allows an independent person, chosen through the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service, to mediate. This person's final decision is binding.
'The existence of this clear and conclusive procedure should act as a spur to all sides to discuss and resolve matters before it needs to be invoked,' said Raynsford.
PFjun2003
