The first phase of the project will involve commissioning research among employers and employees to canvass their concerns and expectations surrounding the National Agreement.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) will assist with the research and will be represented on the Partnership at Work review body, which will meet again in January.

BPIF chair of the Employers Panel Stephen Clark said he was confident that both sides could work together to find a workable solution that would bring benefits to employers and employees.

GPMU national officer Chris Harding said: I am optimistic that in the months ahead in a non-confrontational environment both parties will have an open and positive discussion on a whole range of issues.

The Partnership at Work review body is chaired by Frank Burchill, emeritus professor of industrial relations and director of the Centre for the Avoidance and Resolution of Employment Disputes at Keele University.

The Partnership at Work initiative was granted 250,000 of government funding earlier this year (PrintWeek 23 October), which will be matched in kind from industry.

Story by John Davies