The Information and Consultation of Employees (ICE) Regulations are being criticised by the European Commission for seeming too ‘employer-friendly’ according to new reports.
The ICE regulations, which require employers to consult with their staff about business decisions, have come under fire from officials in Brussels who believe UK interpretations of this directive are flawed.
As of April 6 2008, firms with 50 or more workers will be required to enforce ICE regulations but Philip Sack, director of policy at the European Study Group, believes this current dispute will create added confusion for British employers.
“Many have set up new consultation arrangements that made use of the considerable flexibility given by the ICE regulations,” he said. “The review could mean that UK moving closer to French-style work councils, where employers have to consult with staff much earlier and about all kinds of issues that could affect the workplace.”
Other experts are also warning businesses to be prepared for changes to their consultation agreements to make sure they will comply in the future.
Back to top