GOOD employment relations are the new competitive edge, according to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) chief executive John Taylor.

Mr Taylor, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, was speaking at a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) North-East event at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

"In a world of uncertainty, the only certainty for managers is to get their em- ployment relations right," he said.

"Being at the periphery of the EU means that the North-East has to perform that much better than its rivals in the productivity and competitiveness stakes.

"Flexibility and willingness to accept change are key components in ensuring this. But, in turn, they can only flow from good employment relations where the workforce and unions are dedicated and bought into the success of their venture."

Mr Taylor went on to emphasise the importance of dialogue at every level, from individual workplaces to social partners in the region, in helping to prepare for the future.

"There is no doubt that sharing experience and information is a vital ingredient of facing change effectively.

"The NE Employee Relations Forum, in which both Acas and the CBI are active participants, together with prominent local leaders of trade unions and business, helps this dialogue by bringing together people from all sides of employment relations to discuss today's workplace issues and tomorrow's challenges."