Proposed changes to employment law announced by business secretary Vince Cable this morning have received a frosty welcome from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

While increased use of conciliation and mediation and simplifying compromise agreements are seen as a positive step, a CIPD statement suggests that the issue of ‘protected conversations’ between employer and employee could complicate rather than simplify problems for business.

The Institute’s head of public policy, Ben Willmott, says: “Genuine proposals to simplify employment law and reform the employment tribunal system are welcome – but where it comes to ‘protected conversations’ the government needs to beware the spectre of unintended consequences.

“By offering false comfort, the government risks creating a field day for employment lawyers and a nightmare for businesses.”

Alongside Cable’s speech, employment relations minister Ed Davey announced potential overhaul of the Conduct Regulations that regulate recruitment agencies. See ’Changes to Conduct Regulations in prospect, say ministers’ for more.