A shake-up of employment law will stop aggrieved workers launching tribunal cases against their bosses without first complaining to them in writing.
The Department of Trade and Industry said a new three-stage statutory consultation procedure would ensure staff and employers discussed disputes at work before taking the matter further.
The rules will force staff with a complaint to lodge a formal grievance with their employer.
Bosses who dismiss workers without following the new process will face an automatic finding of unfair dismissal under the new regulations.
The shake-up is particularly aimed at small firms and others which lack formal disciplinary procedures.
Ministers claim it will cut the cost, stress and disruption caused by a growing number of hearings.
Thursday July 10, 2003
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