Warning over dispute resolution service

The Employment Appeals Tribunal has warned the Government its proposed one-stop-shop for workplace dispute resolution could lead to subjective and ill-informed judgments which may not be fair to employee or employer.

Employment Minister Richard Bruton’s Blueprint to Deliver a World-Class Workplace Relations Service promises:

* One unified body dealing with all complaints;

* A single complaint form;

* An early resolution service;

* Decision within 28 days.

The minister has proposed that all the functions of the National Employment Rights Authority, the Equality Tribunal, and Rights Commissioners would transfer to a new statutory body, the Workplace Relations Commission, but there are concerns, particularly around the area of unfair dismissal.