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Acas urges businesses to avoid tribunal claims by establishing fair pay and grading systems

Acas urges businesses to avoid tribunal claims by establishing fair pay and grading systems

ADVISORY, CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION SERVICE News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service. 1 September 2008

Acas, the employment relations service, has launched a new guide to help make businesses less vulnerable to equal pay claims through the use of job evaluation. The guide, which considers the benefits and risks of undertaking job evaluation, explains how a job evaluation risk analysis should be established and implemented.

Job evaluation - which determines the relative importance of a number of different jobs whilst avoiding prejudice or discrimination - can be a complex process. This guide will help managers and employee representatives decide whether introducing a job evaluation structure is feasible and appropriate for their business.

The new Job Evaluation advice booklet is launched as the 2008 Acas' annual report shows a 25 per cent rise in employment tribunals and potential employment tribunal claims. This rise was partly attributed to equal pay claims.

Frank Blair, Director Acas Scotland, who has developed the guide, commented: "Employers sometimes find it hard to justify their grading and pay systems. Putting in place a job evaluation scheme can remedy this and can also help prevent equality and HR-related problems from arising."

"However, Acas is urging businesses to be fully prepared before embarking on introducing job evaluation. A good number of the difficulties encountered by organisations will be avoided by adequate preparation. The booklet gives advice on the level of preparation required, which if undertaken properly, will create strong business benefits."

The guide can be downloaded for free at http://www.acas.org.uk.

For further information on job evaluation and any other aspect of employment relations visit http://www.acas.org.uk.

Benefits of job evaluation:
* Cornerstone of a fair and equitable pay system
* Facilitates the introduction of new or changed jobs
* Offers a defense against Employment Tribunal claims of pay discrimination
* Supports recruitment and retention
* Prevents stereotyping of jobs and roles.

Notes to editors
1. Acas' aim is to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. It provides information, advice, training and a range of services working with employers and employees to prevent or resolve problems and improve performance. It is an independent statutory body governed by a Council consisting of the Acas Chair and employer, trade union and independent members.

2. The advisory booklet Job evaluation: considerations and risks can be ordered from Acas Publications by calling 08702 42 90 90 and costs £3.95 per copy.

For press enquiries please contact:
* Alexis Molyneux-Brand: 020 7072 4111: amolyneux-brand@gciuk.com
* Will Spratt: 020 7072 4061: wspratt@gciuk.com

Acas National
Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, London SE1 1LW
http://www.acas.org.uk

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