DELEGATES in the North-East have been told of new procedures for dealing with disputes at work.

From October next year, employers and staff will be required to follow a minimum three-stage process to ensure disputes are discussed at work.

Representatives from employment services, lawyers, specialists, trade union representatives and trade associations met at the Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel, Newcastle, to hear about the plans.

A public consultation on the dispute resolution regulations will close next October 29.

The process will mean that problems will have to be set out in writing, with details passed to the other party. Both parties have to meet to discuss the problem and an appeal arranged if necessary.

All employers will have to have procedures in place to deal with disputes by October 2004.

In most circumstances, employees will not be able to make claims to employment tribunals unless they have previously raised a formal grievance at work.

Employers who dismiss staff without using the statutory procedure face an automatic finding of unfair dismissal at a tribunal.

Department of Trade and Industry Employment Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Disputes at work are expensive, stressful and disruptive for both employers and employees alike.

"But early constructive discussion can produce solutions before problems escalate and working relationships breakdown."

The measures will help employers, particularly small businesses, to solve problems when they arise.

The Newcastle event is part of a series of ten briefings across the country during this month and next.

More details are available on www.dti.gov.uk/er/hot_topics.htm