Guide
Information and consultation requirements (ICE)
Requirements under the ICE Regulations 2004 for informing and consulting employees about business decisions.
Retail & Consumer Goods
UK-wide
The Information and Consultation of Employees (ICE) Regulations 2004 give employees the right to request arrangements for being informed and consulted about business decisions.
When the regulations apply
What employees can request
If you receive a valid request, you must negotiate an information and consultation agreement covering:
- Economic situation - recent and probable development of activities and economic situation
- Employment situation - structure and probable development of employment, any threats to jobs
- Decisions likely to lead to substantial changes - work organisation, contractual relations (including redundancies and TUPE transfers)
The process
After receiving a valid request:
- Within 3 months - start negotiations with employee representatives
- Within 6 months of starting - reach agreement or standard provisions apply
Enforcement
Complaints about ICE breaches go to the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC), which can impose penalties up to GBP 75,000.