Acas says opposing positions in workplace conflicts have become more 'entrenched'

Acas said its collective conciliation remains highly rated but it added that those involved in conflicts are increasingly unsure how to resolve the issues

Workplace conflicts have become more "entrenched", according to the conciliation service.

Acas reported that while its collective conciliation remains highly rated, those involved in conflicts are increasingly unsure how to resolve them. The lack of negotiation skills, experience in handling collective conflict, polarised starting positions and challenging economic and political factors have all contributed to an increase in requests for Acas’s assistance.

Kate Nowicki, Acas director of dispute resolution, said: "Industrial disputes increased last year against a challenging economic and political backdrop, and we have seen the landscape of collective workplace conflict become more complex, with opposing positions often more entrenched."

She added: "Despite this, our research shows that satisfaction levels amongst Acas customers remain very high. We are listening carefully to what people say about us and gaining new insights to make sure that our conciliation service is as good as it can be."

She concluded by saying: "This validation of the service comes at an important time, as the employment relations landscape faces significant change with the introduction of the Government’s Employment Rights Bill." Acas was involved in 618 collective disputes in the year to March.