105(1)If before the end of the first period the parties agree to end the bargaining arrangements no further steps are to be taken under this Part of this Schedule.E+W+S
(2)Sub-paragraph (3) applies if before the end of the first period—
(a)the union informs the employer that the union does not accept the request but is willing to negotiate, or
(b)the unions inform the employer that the unions do not accept the request but are willing to negotiate.
(3)The parties may conduct negotiations with a view to agreeing to end the bargaining arrangements.
(4)If such an agreement is made before the end of the second period no further steps are to be taken under this Part of this Schedule.
(5)The employer and the union (or unions) may request ACAS to assist in conducting the negotiations.
(6)The first period is the period of 10 working days starting with the day after—
(a)the day on which the union receives the request, or
(b)the last day on which any of the unions receives the request.
(7)The second period is—
(a)the period of 20 working days starting with the day after that on which the first period ends, or
(b)such longer period (so starting) as the parties may from time to time agree.