Acas launches new strategy to prevent, manage and resolve disputes at work
Almost one-third of employees in Scotland say that workplace conflict is rising, according to a new survey by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas).
New Acas-commissioned YouGov polling found that 30% of Scotland workers who knew of conflict in their organisation over the last 3 years said it has increased, compared to just 7% who say it has decreased.
The news comes ahead of major new employment law reforms, and with Acas experiencing increased demand for its services.
Responding to these challenges, Acas has launched a transformative five-year strategy to modernise how disputes at work are handled across Britain.
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said: “Businesses in Scotland are doing much to promote productivity and economic growth, but our poll shows that there is more we can do to tackle conflict and help Scottish businesses grow and flourish.
“Our strategy for the next five years will give employers and workers across Scotland the skills and knowledge they need for the healthy employment relations that prevent conflict and promote growth.”
The new Acas strategy will help to support economic stability by reducing the cost of conflict – estimated to be £28.5 billion – through increased prevention, improved management, and earlier resolution of disputes.
The new Acas strategy will:
- Prevent more disputes before they arise by targeting industries and groups where conflict is most likely
- Support employers to manage conflict well with clear guidance, tools and training offers
- Equip workers and employers with the skills and confidence to resolve problems earlier, including doubling the number of SMEs Acas is equipping to manage conflict well
- Harness technology and data more effectively to focus Acas’s efforts where they can have the greatest impact
- Drive innovation in dispute resolution, maintaining Acas’s record settlement rates (70% for individual disputes and 90% for collective disputes) while exploring the use of AI and new digital services to make support faster and more accessible
