The 'standard procedures' will apply. This means you must provide 'appropriate' information to I&C representatives on 'the recent and probable development of the undertaking's activities' - which might include:
- information on new products or services, or significant changes to the provision of existing products or services;
- increases or reductions in production or sales;
- takeovers or mergers;
- developments in technology;
- reorganisation of the undertaking; or
- changes in senior management.
You must inform and be prepared to consult on 'the situation, structure and probable development of employment within the undertaking' - which might include:
- recruitment;
- redundancies;
- moves to shorter hours working;
- possibly changes to retirement policy; and
- possibly reorganisation of employment within the undertaking.
You must also inform and be prepared to consult 'with a view to reaching agreement', on decisions likely to lead to substantial changes in work organisation or in contractual relationships - which might include:
- redundancy or transfer decisions;
- changes in policy on flexible working, part-time working or overtime;
- changes in shift working, etc;
- substantial changes in terms and conditions;
- changes in retirement ages, or to occupational pension schemes; and
- changes in disciplinary and grievance procedures.
Once the standard provisions apply, there is a three year moratorium on any unilateral attempt to change them.
