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Gibbons Review

On 7 December 2006, DTI Secretary of State Alistair Darling launched a root and branch review of Government support for resolving disputes in the workplace. He appointed Michael Gibbons to review the options for simplifying and improving all aspects of employment dispute resolution, to make the system work better for employers and employees.

Michael Gibbons review looked at all aspects of the system, including the existing legal requirements, how employment tribunals work, and the scope for new initiatives to help resolve disputes at an earlier stage. The terms of reference for the review can be found at the link above.

The final report of the review was published on 21 March 2007.

The Government welcomed the Gibbons Review and published a consultation document setting out measures to take it forward. (Resolving disputes in the workplace – A consultation) which closed on 20 June 2007. Responses to the consultation enabled the Government to identify key legislative reforms for inclusion in the Employment Bill which was published on 7 December 2007. This provides for the complete repeal of the statutory dispute procedures. It also provides for repeal of the existing law on the role of procedure in unfair dismissal. The Bill is subject to parliamentary consideration and depending on the outcome of that process the Government hopes that repeal will take place in April 2009.

In addition to the Bill, the Government will be introducing other non legislative measures to improve and simplify employment dispute resolution. Details of these measures will be set out in an official Government response to the consultation and posted on the website in due course.