EMPLOYERS in the region are being urged to take a long hard look at how they inform their workforce about business issues in advance of the introduction of the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations on 6 April 2005.

Judith Watson, national head of employment at Cobbetts in Manchester, warns that the new European legislation will require companies to adopt a more open and inclusive style of management in the future.

She said: "Employers with more than 150 employees may be required by law to consult with employees on issues such as redundancies, changes to pension schemes, pay structures or even business transfers before any final decision is taken."