One-third of professional services firms have experienced a workplace dispute, lower than most business sectors, government research has found.

The survey of 500 small to medium-sized businesses also found evidence that 78% of those that had suffered disputes had faced up to five in the past five years, indicating that businesses are not learning how to handle employment problems.

The survey of ten sectors is aimed at promoting the Employment Act 2002 (Dispute Resolution) Regulations, which come into force on 1 October and will make it mandatory for all employers to have minimum dismissal, disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Employees will usually be required to raise problems with their employers before they can take a claim to a tribunal.

Employers in industries such as leisure, manufacturing, telecoms and IT, and media all had more experience of disputes.

Around 80% of professional services employers worry about the financial implications of being taken to a tribunal, as well as the effect a tribunal would have on their own stress levels.

The survey also found widespread ignorance of the cost of tribunals - only 19% correctly estimated that the average cost in management time and legal fees is 2,000.

Employment relations minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: 'Employment tribunals have a vital role to play ensuring individual employment rights are not abused.

But it is clear that there are too many cases, which could be resolved in the workplace ending up at tribunals.

This costs time and money, creates unnecessary stress for both parties and slows down the tribunal system.

Our aim is to improve this situation for everyone.'