date: Tuesday 8 July 2003 embargo: 09:30am Wednesday 9 July 2003

Attention: industrial, legal, business correspondents

new procedures to settle employment disputes in work

Commenting on the DTI consultation on new procedures to settle employment disputes in work, launched today (Wednesday), Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, said:

"The low number of Employment Tribunal cases coming from unionised workplaces show that unions have a great track record in resolving disputes within the workplace. The TUC are particularly glad that the new minimum requirements will apply in all workplaces, regardless of size, although we have some reservations about the detail of the new legislation and how it will affect current good procedures."

Notes to Editors:

- If you want to apply for 2003 Congress credentials go to www.tuc.org.uk/mediacredentials2003. The closing date for applications is Friday 22 August 2003. Applications received after this date will be subject to a charge.

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Ben Hurley 020 7467 1248 or 07626 317903 (pager) or email media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (200 words) issued 9 Jul 2003