The Cabinet Office has published guidance on the consultation principles that government departments and other public bodies should adopt to engage stakeholders in policy and legislation developments. The governing principle of the guidance, which replaces the 2008 Code of Practice on Consultation, is that the type and scale of the consultation is proportionate to the potential impact of the proposal or decision being taken. In particular, the guidance states that consultation should begin when the policy development under consideration is at an early stage. The timeframe for consultation should be proportionate and realistic to allow stakeholders a sufficient period of time to respond and may vary between two and 12 weeks.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
