Why use an accredited mediator?

If you have problems at work that have not been dealt with by your employer, before you consider an employment tribunal mediation could help you and your employer reach a mutually agreeable solution to your grievance.

Mediation involves using an impartial third party who can help you negotiate with your employer to find common ground. You can’t be forced to use mediation services, and mediation services are not free. But generally your employer will meet the cost of the services from an accredited mediator that you use. Note that if you don’t use an accredited mediator this does not affect your right to an employment tribunal.

An accredited mediator working in England and Wales will be a registered member of the Civil Mediation Council. If you are in Scotland, an accredited mediator will usually belong to the Scottish Mediation Service, managed by the Scottish Mediation Network. And if you work in Northern Ireland, an accredited mediator can be found at the Mediation Northern Ireland service.

When you are using a mediator, some of the legal elements of your employment may come up. If this happens, you can use the services of an employment solicitor to clarify these points for you. And if your mediation ends with the offering of a compromise agreement from your employer, you should have a qualified solicitor check this agreement before you sign it, as compromise agreements must be written to a set of strict rules.

In most cases your problem will be resolved by your employer, but if you find you are at the point where an employment tribunal seems inevitable, a mediator could enable you to avoid this and resolve your issues quickly.

Of course, mediators aren’t only used for employment issues – they are also commonly used in all areas of litigation – essentially situations in which two people or businesses need issues resolving. And don’t forget that if your discussions have any legal aspect you should contact an employment solicitor as soon as you can.

If you would like to obtain legal advice about arbitration, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist dispute resolution solicitor free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local dispute resolution solicitors please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.