If you yourself initiate negotiations and reach agreement, you benefit from a three year moratorium during which employees can't require you to renegotiate the I&C agreement. So you don't have the threat of a possible employees' request for negotiations hanging over you - and you have the kudos of having asked for your employees' views without having been forced to do so. Take advice if you are unsure what to do.
You will have to make arrangements for the employees to appoint or elect representatives who will negotiate the new agreement ('negotiating representatives'), and invite them to enter into discussions with you.
