The Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004 have been extended to cover undertakings with 50 or more employees from 6 April 2008.

Under the Regulations, employees have the right to be:

• informed about the company's economic situation;
• informed and consulted about employment prospects; and
• informed and consulted about decisions likely to lead to substantial changes in work organisation or contractual relations.

There is no automatic requirement to negotiate an Information & Consultation (I&C) agreement but employers are required to negotiate an I&C agreement if at least 10% of employees - subject to a minimum of 15 employees - make a formal request for an I&C agreement. Alternatively, employers can choose to start negotiations themselves.

To read more about the requirements under the regulations visit the links below.

Internet links: BERR guidance and Business link