Government to consult on introduction of protected conversations between employers and staff

The government will consult on introducing protected conversations that would allow employers to discuss issues such as retirement plans and work performance with employees without fear of being referred to an employment tribunal.

The consultation will also address employers’ fears of a tribunal by increasing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from one year to two years from April 2012.

David Cameron announced the move in a speech on 10 November at a conference on exporting for growth in London.

He said: “When it comes to making it easier to employ people, we are going to get to grips with some of the rules and regulations designed to protect employees.

“We will be consulting on the introduction of protected conversations, so an employer and an employee feel able to sit down together and have a frank conversation – at either’s request.”

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