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Royal Mail and CWU agreement: Statement from John Taylor, Chief Executive of Acas

Update on Carlisle Cleaning Services and RMT talks

Royal Mail and CWU reach agreement

Roger Poole, the independent chair of negotiations between the Royal Mail and the Communications Workers Union (CWU) has asked Acas to issue the following message to all staff in Royal Mail Letters:

Acas conciliation successful in Fujitsu dispute

Acas urges businesses to improve employee engagement to boost workplace morale and the bottom line

New discussion paper cites building blocks for employee engagement.

New Acas Code of Practice on Time Off for Trade Union Duties and Activities comes into effect

Acas helps businesses avoid more than 2,000 employment tribunal claims

Free equality and diversity surgery in Liverpool

Acas adviser, Steve Jennings, is holding the next in a series of free Equality and Diversity surgeries on 20 January at our Liverpool office.

Acas urges businesses to address workplace bullying

The Cube, 123 Albion Street , Leeds, LS2 8ER, United Kingdom

Acas, the employment relations service, believes having a workplace that values employee health and wellbeing can help organisations deal with a range of situations in the best way. Workplace bullying continues to be a problem and is damaging to both individuals and business.

Acas welcomes NICE guidance on improving mental wellbeing within the workplace

Acas urges UK businesses to anticipate and manage mental health in the downturn

The Cube, 123 Albion Street , Leeds, LS2 8ER, United Kingdom

Acas is encouraging UK businesses and managers to prepare for the longer term effects of the recession and implement policies and procedures to help cope with mental health issues in the workplace.

Monitoring and Impact Assessments - Acas launches new training course

The Cube, 123 Albion Street , Leeds, LS2 8ER, United Kingdom

Acas is pleased to announce the launch of a new course to complement its range of HR, management and employment relations training courses.

2009 pay survey provides valuable insight for Welsh business

The Cube, 123 Albion Street , Leeds, LS2 8ER, United Kingdom

The most recent in a series of surveys carried out by the employment relations service, Acas and the Glamorgan Business School, has found that despite the economic climate 40% of Welsh employers reported facing difficulties in recruiting some employees.

Acas Helpline gives advice on Guardian redundancy clinic

Helpline staff Stewart Gee and Nimalan Kumar will be part of the panel of experts for the Guardian's online redundancy clinic today from 2pm.

Acas experts in webchat on working life and redundancy today

Stewart Gee, an Area Manager for our Helpline and Leon Walton, a Helpline Adviser, will be taking part in the Guardian's careers webchat on working life and redundancy today at 1pm.

New guides on managing time off for employee representatives available

To complement its new Code of Practice on time off for trade union duties and activities, the Acas Council has recently agreed two new guides providing further information on the subject of time off for employee representatives.

The mists of diversity: hidden impairments

West Midlands Equality & Diversity Development in conjunction with Acas, would like to invite you to their forthcoming event on the topic of "hidden disabilities" and how organisations and employers can offer support and assistance to people who suffer from them.

Acas publishes discussion paper on agency workers

Acas has published its latest policy discussion paper exploring the issues facing agency workers in the workplace.

UK workplace tension continues to rise amid unstable employment landscape

The full depth and severity of the recession and its knock on effects on the employment landscape are revealed in a new report published today by Acas, the employment relations service.

Acas welcomes the MacLeod Review into employee engagement

Acas, the employment relations service, welcomes the Review into employee engagement, led by David MacLeod and Nita Clarke, commissioned by the department of Business Innovation and Skills.

Resilience through recession: The crucial role of people management and development conference a success

Presentation downloads, conference photos and opportunity to feedback.

CIPD and Acas publish "five-a-day management fundamentals" to help raise UK productivity

The Cube, 123 Albion Street , Leeds, LS2 8ER, United Kingdom

Business leaders and government are today urged to take a stand against poor people management, which is too often the cause of bullying, conflict and stress in the workplace and a significant factor in the UK's productivity gap.

Acas predicts recession pain for public sector ahead of national conference

Longer-term effects of the downturn to hit public sector over the next 12 months.

Managing stress and wellbeing at work conference - 11 May 09

The Cube, 123 Albion Street , Leeds, LS2 8ER, United Kingdom

Acas and Red Training and Consultancy have joined in partnership to deliver this unique event: an innovative and practical insight into managing stress and wellbeing at work.

Independent PCC evaluation report shows net benefits to employers, employees and the taxpayer

The Acas Pre-Claim Conciliation Service (PCC) aims to identify workplace disputes between employers and employees which may become employment tribunal claims and resolve them effectively before they enter the tribunal system.

Employing Migrant Workers - North Hykeham Lincolnshire conference 12 May

This is an in-depth training session, co-presented by the Acas, the UK Borders Agency, and an expert from Eversheds Solicitors.

Negotiating skills and awareness of collective conciliation key in today's climate: Acas publishes new Policy Discussion Paper

The Cube, 123 Albion Street , Leeds, LS2 8ER, United Kingdom

Acas, the employment relations service, today published its latest Policy Discussion Paper on the role collective conciliation and negotiating skills play in resolving large-scale disputes.

New Acas Code helps businesses save time and money through simplified dispute resolution system

UK businesses are set to benefit from changes to employment legislation, according to Acas, the employment relations service.

Resilience through recession: Acas and CIPD, 11 June, summit agenda

Acas, the employment relations service, and the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) have revealed the line up and agenda for their joint summit, set to take place in London on the 11th June.

The new Employment Act 2008 - What does it mean for the Third Sector?

Acas and Unite are holding a joint conference for all Third Sector workplace reps and employers who need to know about the changes coming into effect 6 April 2009.

Monitoring key to equality in the workplace: Acas launches new guide

Acas, the employment relations service, has launched a new equality and diversity guide addressing the vital role monitoring plays in equality and diversity in the workplace.

Acas Code of Practice on discipline and grievance agreed by Parliament

The draft Acas Code of Practice on discipline and grievance procedures, has now been approved by Parliament.

Managers critical for business success: Acas launches new guide

The Cube, 123 Albion Street , Leeds, LS2 8ER, United Kingdom

Acas, the employment relations service, has launched a new guide on management. It advises senior managers on how to get the best out of their Frontline Managers (FLMs) - supervisors, team leaders, and project leaders.

Dennis Boyd, former Acas Chief Conciliator passes away

Dennis Boyd, one of Acas' former Chief Conciliators, has died aged 78.

Acas launches new recession page offering guidance for employees and employers

The current global financial crisis has many local impacts for both employers and employees. With hundreds of headlines threatening uncertainty you may be finding it difficult to know what to do.

Managing in difficult times: the Acas guidance page on managing through the recession

Providing employers and employees with the tools to get through the recession: practical advice and professional training.

Acas and CIPD launch practical guidance for employers on managing in recession to help answer a rapid rise in helpline call queries

As calls on redundancy to the CIPD and Acas helplines continue to climb, the two organisations are launching joint guidance on managing the workforce in a recession.

Acas publishes report findings from the Lindsey oil refinery investigation

Acas, the employment relations service, today published its report into the facts surrounding the dispute at the Lindsey oil refinery.

Acas appoints industrial relations expert to advise Lindsey Oil Refinery investigation

Acas has appointed Professor Gillian Morris, a barrister, to advise the Lindsey Oil Refinery investigation.

Acas to investigate Lindsey Oil Refinery contractual arrangements

Pat McFadden, Employment Minister for the Department of Business and Enterprise has asked Acas to investigate the facts surrounding the Lindsey Oil Refinery contract arrangements.

Lindsey Oil Refinery worker protests

National Officers and shop stewards have agreed to the deal arising out of the Acas talks and will be recommending the proposal to Lindsey contractors and workers on Thursday 5 February.

Acas investigate facts behind 'wildcat' strikes

Acas has been asked by the Government to look into the facts surrounding the unofficial strike action which has spread from the Lindsey refinery in Lincolnshire.

Discipline and Grievance - prepare now with Acas training

The law is changing and Acas has produced a revised Code of Practice and other non-statutory guidance.

Discipline and Grievance draft Code of Practice guide is now available

Acas has produced a draft guide to go along with our draft Discipline and Grievance Code of Practice released last week.

Acas launches consultation for revised draft time off code

Acas, the employment relations service, is today issuing a revised code of practice on time off for trade union activities and duties for consultation.

Businesses and employees turn to Acas as demand for advice on redundancy and lay-offs rises

The number of businesses and employees seeking advice on redundancy, lay-offs and business transfers hit a high in November, according to new figures released by Acas, the employment relations service.

High demand for Helpline services

As a result of extremely high demand on our services, some callers may find that they are unable to get though to our Helpline. In some cases this may mean calling at a different time of day.

Discipline and Grievance Code of Practice Update

Acas's revised Code of Practice has been approved by the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. It will now be put before Parliament for its approval until which time it will remain a draft.

Acas Scotland launches a new series of training events

Acas Scotland has launched a new series of training events which explain the changes to the way workplace disputes will be resolved in the future. All businesses will need to know about these important changes.

Discipline and Grievance - a new approach

Acas will deliver a series of events on the new Dispute Resolution Regulations in conjunction with the EEF, the manufacturers' organisation. Keynote speakers include Sir Michael Gibbons and the Acas Chair, Ed Sweeney.

New Acas guide champions mediation

The 190,000 individual employment tribunal claims in 2007/2008 could have been reduced by more effective use of workplace mediation according to a new guide from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Acas.

Acas chair applauds Chemical Industry's approach to workplace relations at the TUC Congress

Ed Sweeney, Chair of Acas, today spoke at the Chemical Industries Association's fringe meeting at the TUC Congress in Brighton on Industrial Relations.

Acas urges businesses to avoid tribunal claims by establishing fair pay and grading systems

Acas, the employment relations service, has launched a new guide to help make businesses less vulnerable to equal pay claims through the use of job evaluation.

Acas

Acas exceeds targets in the face of rising employment tribunal claims

Acas, the employment relations service, today released new figures showing that employment tribunals and potential employment tribunal claims passed to Acas for conciliation rose a quarter (24.9%) on last year.

Acas urges small businesses to avoid tribunal costs with early mediation

Acas, the employment relations service, is urging small businesses to avoid the risk of facing employment tribunals by considering mediation earlier when solving workplace disputes.

Acas consults on non-statutory discipline and grievance guidance

Since issuing a draft of its revised code of practice on discipline and grievance for formal consultation, Acas has been working on more detailed non-statutory guidance on handling discipline and grievances in the workplace. The guidance, which is designed to support the code, is now available.

Carers week 9th June: Acas urges businesses to help employees who juggle work and caring responsibilities

Three million people in the UK are juggling work with caring responsibilities.

Disabled People's Involvement Forum

Acas, the leading organisation for employment relations advice in Britain, are looking for disabled people to help them review their activities to ensure they comply with Disability legislation.

Acas launches consultation on revised discipline and grievance code

Today Acas issues a revised code of practice on discipline and grievance for public consultation.

New Acas website puts customers first

Acas, the employment relations experts, today re-launched its website www.acas.org.uk with new features for HR professionals, employers and employees. There are also regional pages to provide businesses with details of training and services on offer in their area.

Acas press statement: Grangemouth oil refinery dispute

At conciliation talks held at the offices of Acas over two days, 22and 23rd of April, although the parties have not come to an agreement, time has been spent addressing the issue of the safety and integrity of the Grangemouth site.

Mental health in the workplace: Depression Awareness Week

Mental health in the workplace: spotting signs of depression - Research shows that bosses underestimate how much their colleagues and employees are suffering from stress, anxiety and depression.

Acas conciliation after the fixed period has ended

Up to October 2004, Acas had a duty to offer conciliation in nearly all claims made to an employment tribunal until all matters of liability and remedy had been determined.

Health, work and wellbeing (HWWB) - Is work good for your health?

Yes, work can be good for your health. As well as a financial reward it gives many of us self-esteem, companionship and status.

Acas urges UK businesses to keep healthy

New advice published following review by National Director for Health & Work. Acas is urging businesses to save money and reduce absenteeism by focusing on ensuring employees are healthy at work.

Acas Wales reaches new frontiers

Gareth Petty and Hywel Hopkin recently visited Bulgaria to give employers and employee representatives training on 'Social Dialogue'. Recently admitted to the European Union, they were keen for us to share our experiences in employee relations. Social Dialogue can be defined as any interaction between managers and employees or between different groups of workers. The programme was designed to maximise involvement, and proved to be an enjoyable new experience for the delegates.

Reducing employment tribunal claims

The new Equality and Human Rights Commission is now established and the changes to the National Minimum Wage and annual leave entitlement have bedded in. What better time to look at some of the issues that might be holding back your organisation and contributing to the record numbers of employment tribunal claims recently announced? This month we focus on three areas: bullying, stress and equality.

Time for change? Acas helps region's firms find an alternative

Our training coordinator for mediation, Barry Welsh, has been busy testing local interest in workplace mediation services among public and private sector bodies. Already several large organisations have signed up to develop their own in-house capacity. We expect this interest to continue increasing. Barry says: "...more forward-thinking companies that value their reputation as caring employers are focusing their minds in the wake of the Gibbons Review on Dispute Resolution."

Resolving conflict is essential for the successful organisation

Conflict at work is likely to arise at some point. For employers, it takes up valuable time and can mean lost productivity or poor customer service, not to mention stress for those managing the situation and those caught up in it. Unresolved conflict is one of the most negative influences in an organisation and handling conflict is one of the most testing.

Acas South West teams up with law firm

The Cube, 123 Albion Street , Leeds, LS2 8ER, United Kingdom

We've joined forces with Capital Law LLP to run training sessions for businesses in the South West. Our partnership will mean that we can combine our trusted knowledge of all aspects of employment relations with Capital Law's specialist legal and commercial expertise. This represents a fantastic opportunity to access a wider range of information than ever before on an Acas course, within the same supportive and friendly environment.

Training an SME workforce in the South East: How Acas created a bespoke training programme for a small retail business

People management is a huge issue for organisations of all shapes and sizes, but perhaps even more so for small businesses, who often have less in-house expertise and resources.

When Kavanagh Retailing - a group of shops dedicated to providing fresh local food and groceries across the south east - bought four Budgens stores, they needed to design and implement a training programme for their employees.

Acas collective conciliation may be able to help you

Are you enmeshed in the middle of a dispute where both sides are reluctant to give any ground? Collective conciliation isn't just for large companies like British Airways or the BBC, it can be adapted to help any employers and employee representative bodies settle their differences. The long-standing dispute between Unite and Fujitsu was officially signed off on 20 September 2007 with the assistance of our collective conciliator, Brian Sykes.

Conflict at work? We can help you resolve it

Workplace disputes are costly for employers. They often result in absence or the loss of valued employees, which means lost productivity and stress for employers, managers and employees. Mediation is an informal and economic way to help people sort out differences quickly. It's flexible and can be tailored to fit specific circumstances. At Acas we have an excellent track record in helping resolve disputes and giving mediation training.

Tip top advice for managers

Following the success of our 'Having difficult conversations' training, we've decided to follow it up with a new one-day event focusing on top tips for managers. This takes a broad approach to management and explores the common pitfalls. Howard Yearwood, our Training Manager, explains, "My aim is to give delegates an approach to management which will make a practical difference to their working life and those of their employees."

10th edition of the East of England newsletter

Our tenth edition focuses on the Acas Model Workplace: what it is, how it operates and how it can benefit your organisation, with a case study on the tangible benefits it has achieved for a local company. Discover how you can mix and match the elements of the Acas Model Workplace. As our case study demonstrates, small changes can make a big difference.

Independent study reveals Acas adds £800m to UK economy

Every pound of taxpayers' money invested in employment relations service creates over £16 return

Research shows that seeking early advice averts tribunals

In response to Insurance Day magazine

Acas offers holiday help as minimum allowance increases

Acas Chair calls for significant changes to dispute resolution procedures

New Acas e-learning helps employers get it right on age

Demand for Acas services continues to grow

Acas opens debate on managing attendance in the public sector

Acas widens its conciliation service to tribunal appeal cases

Small businesses put themselves at risk by flouting age discrimination changes

Six months on and only 17% of businesses have adopted recruitment and employment changes.

Acas publishes new booklet on flexible working

Acas, Britain's leading employment relations service, has published a new booklet - Flexible working and work-life balance - to help employers and employees understand how flexible working can benefit their workplace.

Acas finds name calling, threats and bullying in discrimination cases for sexual orientation and religion or belief

Today, 2 April 2007, Acas presented their research results on the impact of the Sexual Orientation Regulations and the Religion or Belief Regulations 2003.

Acas welcomes the review of conflict resolution

Following a wide-ranging independent review by Michael Gibbons on improving the way employment disputes are resolved, Acas is pleased that the review is moving forward.

Acas publishes new guidance to help managers manage conflict at work effectively

Acas, Britain's leading employment relations service, has published a new booklet - Managing conflict at work. The booklet is designed to help employers and employees better understand and manage conflict at work.

Professor John Purcell joins Acas

Professor John Purcell, a leading authority on people management and employment relations, has recently joined Acas' strategy team as an academic adviser.

Acas launches new information and consultation health check

Acas, the employment relations service, today launched a new tool for businesses to check how they currently share information and consult with their employees.

Acas launches new e-learning on religion or belief

Acas today launched a new free online course to help employers avoid discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of religion or belief.

Acas' response to the Government's Review of Dispute Resolution

Acas survey finds employers confused over equality and diversity issues

Acas today published its latest policy discussion paper which finds there continues to be myths and misconceptions surrounding equality and diversity issues in the workplace.

John Taylor's response to The Daily Mail

The following is a letter sent by John Taylor, Acas Chief Executive, to the Editor of The Daily Mail in response to their front page story ('Bah Humbug' 29/11/06) about Acas' Christmas party advice.

Why equality and diversity is a key issue in today's workplace

In just over seven years, only a fifth of the workforce will be white, able-bodied, male and under 45. This is the fact that has driven Acas, Britain's leading employment relations advisers, to develop its first free equality and diversity online learning tool.

Acas Chair calls for employers to resolve disputes earlier

Rita Donaghy, Acas Chair, today called upon employers and employees to work together and resolve workplace disputes as early as possible. Left unresolved, disagreements can damage workplace relationships which can affect business efficiency.

Acas warns employers not to ignore rights of younger workers as Age Discrimination Act comes into force

Acas, Britain's leading employment organisation, has warned businesses that ageism is not exclusive to the older generation.

Demand for Acas services increases

Today Acas published its 2005/06 annual report which shows record numbers of people using its helpline and website services to get the latest advice and guidance on employment relations issues.

More businesses realise benefit of Acas services

A growing number of businesses are turning to Acas for good employment relations advice, a recent employment relations survey shows.

Acas warns - act now to meet age discrimination challenge

Today Acas, Britain's leading employment relations organisation, launched new guidance to help employers and individuals understand how imminent age discrimination legislation will affect them. It comes with a stark warning - employers need to act now to beat the deadline - added 27 April 2006

Age discrimination is against the law

Age discrimination law applies to every employer and employee in Great Britain.

Minimum wage increases

The Department of Trade and Industry has announced (20 March) increases to the national minimum wage.

Want to know about Conciliation?

If you would like to know how Acas conciliators can help you, then please watch this nine-minute video clip.

The Work of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

The Trade and Industry Committee announced a short inquiry into the work of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This will be the first of a number of inquiries which the Committee intends to conduct into the DTI's Executive Agencies and NDPB

Acas reaches 30th birthday with no beer and sandwiches to be seen

This week, Acas celebrates its 30th anniversary. It was formed in 1975 at the height of industrial disputes and built its reputation on resolving them. Talks often continued far into the night, fuelled by beer (at 32 pence a pint) and sandwiches (46p per pound for cheese and 14p for a large loaf).

Acas alerts employers to new law on same-sex relationships rights

The new law coming in on 5 December on Civil Partnerships mean that employers will need to look at their systems and processes to ensure they are treating staff fairly and, just as importantly, make them aware of their new rights.

Ban Bullying at Work day - Acas launches free e-learning package

Acas today launched a new free e-learning course to help employers understand and prevent bullying in the workplace. This initiative is to coincide with Ban Bullying at Work day. Bullying at work has become a major cause of workplace stress resulting in 18 million days lost every year*

National Stress Awareness Day - Acas helps HSE to tackle Britain's £3.7 billion work-related stress epidemic

Acas is helping the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to reduce work-related stress in a pilot scheme involving 80 organisations from five key sectors - health, education, local government, central government and financial services.

The Acas Model Workplace

Survey results show that flexible working has taken off

Survey results show that flexible working has taken off. The number of workplaces offering staff the opportunity to work flexibly has almost doubled in the last six years, according to the authoritative Acas and DTI sponsored workplace employment relations survey (WERS), published today.

Acas calls for employers to beat skills shortages by making the most of older workers

Part-time workers get full-time help

Acas Chief Executive John Taylor welcomed the report on the difficulties faced by part-time workers - published today by the EOC - and pledged Acas' full help and support to help employers to extend flexible working within the UK labour force.

Acas opens debate on new ways of dealing with disputes

A new initiative to encourage debate about key employment issues was launched today by Acas.

Lack of knowledge is holding back equal pay for women says Acas

Acas has found that low levels of understanding by both employers and employees is, alongside the cost, one of the key factors holding back equal pay. Evidence from Acas advisers on the ground confirmed that lack of information about equal pay legislation was second only to the financial implications as a reason for failure to take action on implementing equal pay.

Acas online to help businesses with Working Parents' Rights

Acas today launched a free e-learning package to help employers deal with working parents' rights in the workplace.

Secretary of State endorses Acas' role

Acas and the Future

New employee consultation rules

Acas advises firms to seize the opportunity

Acas appoints professor of Workplace Futures

Acas has appointed Dr Duncan Lewis of the University of Glamorgan Business School as its Professor of Workplace Futures.

Acas welcomes publication of EOC report on Flexible Working

Acas has welcomed the publication of today's report on part-time and flexible working by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and looks forward to participating in the wide-ranging discussion it will promote. Acas continues to supply practical, independent advice and support to employers and employees across the UK who want to take advantage of flexible working.

Acas helps deliver public service reform

Acas has launched a range of tailor-made training and workshops to help public sector organisations manage change. This is accompanied by two publications - Working with you to manage change in the NHS and Working with you to manage change in local government - which include case studies.

Acas sets out three year plan to improve the World of Work

Acas today published its corporate plan which outlines its strategic aims and plans for improving employment relations in Britain. The Acas plan of action to 2007/08 explains how future services, resources and targets will contribute to getting it right in the workplace.

Acas launches new aid to business competitiveness and customer service

The Acas Model Workplace, a 'key points' plan which identifies the features of an effective workplace and provides guidance to help businesses achieve the key points, was launched today.

Acas helps to launch new employment tribunal DVD

Today Acas helped to launch a new DVD which is designed to guide employers and individuals through the employment tribunal process.