A senior employment lawyer warned that ‘common sense is not that common’ as the government revealed a new code for resolving workplace disputes.

The new Acas code, which takes effect from 6 April, replaces the three-step grievance and disciplinary system of written statement, meeting and appeal. New provisions include an improved Acas helpline, an early conciliation service and a revised definition of what is fair and reasonable when tackling problems at work. Advice to employers and employees includes keeping an open mind and considering mediation.

Vanessa James, head of employment at St Albans firm SA Law, said the code puts ‘fairness’ at its core, so that employers would no longer automatically lose a case by missing a step in the procedure. ‘But common sense is not that common,’ she said. ‘Employers and employees will still need guidance through the process because disputes quickly become stressful and personal. It’s not always easy to keep a clear head.’