VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Industrial Disputes: Mediation

Asked by Sir Julian SmithConservativeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 23 March 2026UIN 120792

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing mandatory mediation in employment disputes.

Answered by Kate Dearden

We continue to work across government to make the dispute resolution system more resilient, so that that the measures in the Employment Rights Act can be effectively enforced. We recognise the benefits of mediation in resolving disputes swiftly.

A joint DBT/MoJ Taskforce—working with Acas and representatives from business, unions, and other experts —is considering reforms to strengthen dispute resolution.

This includes considering how to maximise use of informal options including meditation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim