Are you complying with the ICE Directive? You should if you employ more than 50 people.
June 30, 2008
If you employ more than 50 people, you should be complying with the ICE Directive (The Information and Consulting Regulations) which came into force on 6th April 2008. As a result, you will be legally bound to inform and consult with your workforce in permanent collective representative structures, i.e. European Works Councils (EWCs). This came into effect for larger companies employing 150 plus people in April 2005 and has now been extended to smaller companies of 50 employees or more.
Whilst this sounds rather draconian from an employers perspective, the bulk of the companies and organisations who are complying with the ICE Regulations have found them to beneficial if introduced in a positive manner with mutual cooperation between employer and employee.
Basically, it is about working in partnership. This means:
- Working together to ensure the success of the company/organisation
- Discussing and deciding on issues affecting employees
- Involving employees in the business planning process
- Supporting and promoting health, safety and welfare
- Involving employees in proposals to change terms and conditions
- Giving employees access to all performances and financial information
- Joint problem solving and implementing business change
- Providing a voice for all employees through proactive communication
The directive is all about partnership and working together. It is not always easy but it is down to the efforts of employers and employees to make it work to the benefit of the company/organisation.
For a more detailed introduction to ICE Information and Consulting Regulations, go to www.berr.gov.uk/employment/index.html
For assistance in the implementation of the ICE Directive and other employment law issues , call 0800 130 0473 or email: mailbox@fightyourcorner.com
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