Can mediation deliver a new industrial revolution? - w/David Liddle

In the latest UnionDues podcast, we take a deep dive into the world of mediation.  And goodness knows we need to, because unresolved conflict is reported to cost UK businesses £33bn a year.  That’s not to mention the stress and misery that unresolved conflict causes workers and their unions.  Is beefed up mediation a way forward?

Rising to this challenge is David Liddle, a vastly experienced mediator and CEO of the TCM group. And he’s clear that mediation isn’t just (or even) about reaching agreement.  “Whether people agree or not is irrelevant, “ he says “the point is to disagree well.” 

The HR community also do not escape scathing scrutiny, responsible, according to David, for “fanning the flames of fury and anger” with a procedure-driven,  litigation-centred approach supported by grievance and discipline policies that “are the antithesis of everything that makes a good human being.”

Prof. Mel Simms looks at the importance of evidence-based policy making, and how easy it is to be distracted in her latest Thought for The Week,  Josiah Mortimer previews this week’s Radical Round Up and we look at the GMB’s great campaign to dissuade British Gas from their “fire-and-rehire” proposals.

Companion blog here.  Music by Scott Holmes.  A Makes-You-Think production