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More Workplace Conflict to Emerge Post-Recession?
The discussion paper reviews the impact the current recession has had on employment relations.
A new discussion paper from Acas, the employment relations service, is predicting how workplace conflicts could evolve as the UK emerges from the recession.

With employers and employees still facing a continued period of uncertainty, the discussion paper reviews the impact the current recession has had on employment relations and considers how workplace conflicts could be triggered by new and different touch points in the future. It also discusses how conflicts might manifest themselves in new ways.

Some of the key predictions include:

Pension problems

Pensions are likely to become even more of a hotspot for employment relations in the private and public sector. Although it is not something appearing on the collective bargaining agenda at the moment this may well change, as companies seek to close schemes to existing, as well as new, members.

2010 could be 'catch up time' for those areas of the private sector that remain highly
unionised.
Unofficial action via social media

There has been an emergence of forms of collective action that were not evident in the previous recession, namely wildcat strikes. One common factor in these actions has been the use of technology - emails, text messaging and social networking sites, enabling demonstrators to organise rapidly amongst the workforce and the local community.

The lack of official leadership in such disputes means negotiating with this group can be complex and a resolution harder to achieve.

Addressing hidden conflict

Another worrying trend to result from the recession is the growth of more hidden manifestations of conflict including bullying and harassment, stress, loss of trust, lower levels of engagement. These symptoms often escape official statistics because they are not expressed through the official channels of strike action, employment tribunals or even formal grievances.

Negotiations are becoming much tougher with employees looking to recoup the pay losses they have suffered in the past year.
Instead this type of discontent can fester in the workplace ultimately causing costs to employers in the form of higher absence rates, increased turnover and diverted management time. There can also be serious implications for the health and wellbeing of employees if these problems are not effectively dealt with.

Catch up time

2010 could be 'catch up time' for those areas of the private sector that remain highly unionised. Although this recession has been characterised with a rise in concessionary bargaining between employers, unions and employees, negotiations are becoming much tougher with employees looking to recoup the pay losses they have suffered in the past year.

Commenting on the discussion paper, Peter Harwood, Acas Chief Conciliator says: “As the private sector deals with the impact of the recession on its workforce, the public sector is also preparing for significant cuts. It is essential that employers, managers, and trade union representatives improve communication and engagement, so that potential issues that may cause conflict are aired and listened to and early action taken.”

The new discussion paper is available here.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.