An end to consultation culture?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP, recently announced plans to end the “consultation culture” at HM Treasury and other government departments. However, a recent survey by Occupational Health Assessment Limited found that almost half of employers would be able to offer informed views and insights on such consultations if asked.

The survey of 130 employers representing more than 1.25 million employees worldwide was undertaken last month and found that almost half (48%) of employers would like to at least read and understand consultations that will influence or dictate their everyday employment and payroll practices.  More than 1 in every 3 employers would go further and actively respond to the consultation either directly (32%) or via a representative organisation such as a trade association (3%). 

Magnus Kauders’ thoughts

Magnus Kauders, Managing Director of Occupational Health Assessment Limited, commented;

“It is currently unclear how far the government intends to go with their proposed reduction in formal consultations. 

However, our survey shows that when businesses learn of consultations that impact their legal employment responsibilities, they want the opportunity to respond, highlight oversights and suggest improvements to government proposals.”

The Occupational Health Assessment Limited survey also suggests a communication failure in the current consultation system.  Just over half (55%) of employers were not aware of three important government consultations linked to employment practices that had been published shortly before the summer break.  Yet all three of the consultations were due to close in the early autumn of 2026.  The three consultations highlighted were;

• Holiday Pay Compliance & Enforcement Consultation (closed 22/09/26)
• Workplace Monitoring Technologies Consultation (closed 30/09/26)
• Equal Pay & Pay Discrimination Consultation (closes 27/10/26)

Claire McCusker’s thoughts

Claire McCusker, Practice Director, at Occupational Health Assessment Limited, observed;

“Our survey – and the Chancellor’s proposed changes – highlights something of a paradox in the current consultation process.

Many employers can and will offer practical insights into formal government consultations that could impact millions of British workers. However, they can do so only if they know when consultations are published and have enough time to review and respond to those proposals.

Whilst we understand the need for government to make big political decisions without a cumbersome formal consultation process, we do feel that there is a case to be made for a more robust layer of conversation with employers.  Such consultations can focus on the small but important details of any announced change which could make the difference between success and failure of a new policy. 

We hope the government will take the concerns of employers seriously as they look to reform their consultation exercises in the years ahead.”