This section applies where—
The employer must from time to time invite the trade union to send representatives to a meeting for the purpose of—
The date set for a meeting under subsection (2) must not be later than—
The employer shall, before the period of two weeks ending with the date of a meeting, provide to the trade union any information—
If the information mentioned in subjection (4) includes information relating to the employment situation the employer must (so far as not required by subsection (4)) also provide at the same time to the trade union the following information—
Section 182(1) shall apply in relation to the provision of information under subsection (4) or (4A) as it applies in relation to the disclosure of information under section 181.
The employer shall take account of any written representations about matters raised at a meeting which he receives from the trade union within the period of four weeks starting with the date of the meeting.
Where more than one trade union is recognised as entitled to conduct collective bargaining on behalf of a bargaining unit, a reference in this section to "the trade union" is a reference to each trade union.
Where at a meeting under this section (Meeting 1) an employer indicates his intention to convene a subsequent meeting (Meeting 2) before the expiry of the period of six months beginning with the date of Meeting 1, for the reference to a period of six months in subsection (2)(b) there shall be substituted a reference to the expected period between Meeting 1 and Meeting 2.
The Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument amend any of subsections (2) to (6).
No order shall be made under subsection (9) unless a draft has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament.