How does the ADR work?
The ADR is in three stages. Full details of the ADR are available here. Basically it has three stages and is intended to be a last resort, with an emphasis on everyone making genuine efforts to resolve problems by agreement. In Stage 1, the dispute goes to an ACAS-appointed independent person (IP) who checks whether the dispute is within scope of the procedure and then whether all local procedures have been exhausted. If these conditions are met, the IP then makes a judgement about the package offered. If the IP is satisfied that the terms and conditions are ONLF, the unions or employees involved must accept the package and that is the end of the matter. If not, the dispute goes to Stage 2. In Stage 2, the parties are invited to resolve the matter through further discussion, knowing that the package as it stands is not ONLF. Mediation can be used if all parties agree. If agreement is not reached, the dispute goes to Stage 3 where the IP will proceed to make a final binding arbitration
