ERB Monitor 04/2008

As a leader or manager you have responsibility for managing conflict in the workplace. You must intervene before disagreements and differences of opinion escalate into all out war and leads to courts and employment tribunals.
If you value your organization, it is critical that you use your mediation skills to intervene at the earliest possible stage in a conflict situation. Ignore the problem and it will not go way. It will get worse.

The role of the LRC is the promotion and development of good industrial relations. The LRC provides a range of advisory and mediation services to employers, trade unions and employees.
How does this relate to the community sector? The LRC delivers its key functions through four specific services. The Workplace Mediation Service is the service most applicable to community sector employers.

Since the Employment Equality Act 1998 recruitment and interview practices and procedures have changed significantly. Employers must take greater care when setting out to hire new employees or to promote existing members of staff.
Job interview candidatesmay have grounds for taking legal action if they are unsuccessful candidates. Staff passed over for promotion also have the option to resort to legal action.

Many community sector employers employ a considerable number of part-time employees. Are you aware of your obligations under The Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001?
This Act ensures that part-time employees cannot be treated less favourably than a full-time employee.
What is the purpose of the Act?