The use of workspace mediation is growing in the UK. It has been encouraged by the Employment Act of 2002 {Dispute Resolution} Regulations 2004, which has been created to reduce the number of workplace disputes being taken to Employment Tribunal.
These regulations place substantial emphasis on the resolution of grievances and disciplinary matters within the workplace. Resolution can often be assisted by the use of mediation.
Workplace disputes are a disruptive and time –consuming drain on organizations. With over 100,000 workplace disputes going to tribunal in 2005/06, having the procedures in place to resolve workplace disputes at an early stage reduces stress for staff and saves employers considerable time and money.