Companies slow to set up information and consultation policies

Nearly 90 per cent of UK organisations have yet to address the issue of information and consultation in the workplace, according to a new survey by the Involvement and Participation Association (IPA).

The regulations are due to come into force on 6 April and will enable staff in businesses with 150 or more employees to demand that their employer consults them on a wide range of business issues.

IPA director Willy Coupar said: “We are encouraged that 80 per cent of respondents to our survey plan to address the new legislation before the end of 2004, but we are concerned that the deadline for establishing pre-existing agreements is fast approaching and these companies may be leaving things too late.

“We continue to find evidence in our research, and during the delivery of our consultancy services, of improved performance in those organisations that have embraced information and consultation.,” he said.

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Companies such as United Welsh Housing Association, Diageo, Egg, Bromford Housing and Bank of Ireland had found performance improvements as a result of enhanced information and consultation processes, Coupar said.

For a practical guide to preparing for the new regulations go to  www.personneltoday.com/resources