Six months in the first instance (starting within three months of negotiations being instigated by you or your employees). If you cannot agree within the six months, the time can be extended without limit by agreement with a majority of the negotiating representatives, or by up to another six months by you unilaterally. If there is still no agreement at the end of this period, the 'standard procedures' will apply (see question 16). If you have done nothing, not even arranging for the selection of negotiating representatives, you could be liable to a penalty. In 2007 one company was fined £55,000 for this.
