Almost two-thirds of businesses have never settled workplace disputes using mediation, according to new research. The research, from law firm Dundas & Wilson found that only 36% had used mediation to tackle conflict at work.

Of those who had used mediation, 60% of respondents thought the flexibility of the process was the key advantage.

Eilidh Wiseman, head of employment law at Dundas & Wilson, said: “A lot of employment tribunals could be avoided if both sides would sit down and address the issue instead of simply locking horns so early in the process, so it’s disappointing that so few employers consider mediation in the early stages of a dispute.”