United Kingdom – Non-judicial Grievance Mechanisms 1st NAP

The UK 2013 NAP notes in the chapter on UK Government and access to remedy for human right abuses resulting from business activity that [page 17]:

“The UK sees its own provision of judicial remedy options as an important element in the remedy mix. Non-judicial grievance mechanisms based on engagement between the parties involved are also an important option. This can be done through an internal company grievance procedure or through arbitration, adjudication, mediation, conciliation and negotiation. Such services can be advised on or offered by independent dispute resolution companies, the Ombudsman, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the Government regulator in certain sectors, or the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

Finally, the UK National Contact Point (NCP) considers allegations of non compliance by UK companies with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The NCP will seek to mediate an agreement between the parties. But where this is not possible, a determination of whether the enterprise has acted inconsistently with the Guidelines is published and available for public dissemination. http://www.bis.gov.uk/nationalcontactpoint“