Journey Step 1 of 5
Why workplace consultation is a legal duty, not a nicety
What this journey covers
Every employer in Great Britain has a statutory duty to consult their workforce on health and safety. The duty sits in two parallel sets of regulations: the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 (SRSCR) for workforces with recognised trade union safety representatives, and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 (HSCER) for everyone else. Both flow from section 2(6) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and both are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (or your local authority, depending on the type of workplace).
This journey walks you through two genuine decisions: which regime applies to your workforce, and — if HSCER applies — whether to consult your employees directly or through elected representatives of employee safety. It then points to the supporting duties and to a compliance checklist you can use to confirm you have the arrangements in place.