ACAS Contributes To Economy
November 19 2007 - An independent study report shows that
is a highly cost-effective organization returning £16 for every pound invested in the employment relations service.
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research report, A Review of the Economic Impact of
Employment Relations Services Delivered by Acas, authored by Pamela Meadows, analyzed Acas' six principal service
areas. Pamela Meadows calculated that immediate savings to the economy of £313 million came from
Acas work in resolving individual and collective disputes in the workplace. A further contribution of £475
million resulted from the advice and guidance provided to employers and employees.
Pamela Meadows said:
"My estimate of the economic impact of the work of Acas represents a minimum, not least because it does not take into account the potential for long-term improvements in productivity and investment as a result of better relationships in the workplace. It is also clear that the benefits of Acas intervention are spread well beyond those most immediately involved in workplace conflicts."
Ed Sweeney, Acas Chair, commented:
"In business terms, this level of return is impressive and testament to the expertise and diverse services being delivered by Acas.
"As well as generating direct advantages to balance sheets and the economy, this research underlines that 'a business is only as good as its people'. Our experience tells us that businesses will reap significant short and long term benefits by creating a healthy, happy and positive work environment."
2006/2007 Report Reveals Continues Demand Growth
Earlier this year the 2006/2007 Acas Annual Report showed that:
- 839,335 people rang Acas' national helpline compared to 908,553 last year. The top three enquiry topics were
- discipline and grievance
- redundancies and layoffs, and
- contract issues
- There were 2.7 million visits to the Acas website compared with 1.3 million last year. The most frequently viewed pages were the A-Z of work and Rights at Work.
- 2,707 good practice training sessions were held compared with 2,694 last year.
- 105,177 applications were made to tribunals - compared to 109,712 last year.
Unfair dismissal remains the largest complaint category with 35,583 claims (35,944 last year).
- There was a slight fall, from 912 this year compared to 952 in 2005/06,
in the number of requests for Acas to intervene in employment disputes and conciliate
between the two sides. Pay continues to be the single biggest category.
According to Rita Donaghy, then Acas Chair:
"Once again this has been a busy year for Acas. The introduction of the new age discrimination legislation was just one highlight where we delivered our high quality services to help employers and employees with the world of work. Our good practice guidance is available free on our website and we continue to develop new tools to encourage healthy workplaces. Our message is prevention is better than cure."
The web site is at http://www.acas.org.uk
Employee Relations
