Solicitors have consolidated their position as the main source of advice on workplace disputes as tensions between employers and trade unions over areas such as pension rights and consultation grow, research has revealed.

City firm DLA's 12th annual survey of 300 large-scale employers and 27 trade unions found that two-thirds of employers (63%) turned to an external law firm in situations where a conflict might arise, such as a possible strike or the receipt of an application for union recognition. A third (38%) sought help from conciliation service ACAS, while a quarter (23%) relied on their own knowledge.


Meanwhile, one in five of the unions polled named pensions as a key cause of unrest after pay, working conditions, and job security.


Mark Leach, a DLA employment partner, predicted that the implementation of the National Information and Consultation Directive in March next year would be another potential cause of problems.


'This will bring a majority of reluctant or currently unprepared employers into contact with trade unions - perhaps for the first time,' he said.


Mr Leach added that it was now essential for lawyers to be well-rounded advisers, with an understanding of industrial relations and the clients' strategy as well as employment law.