Early conciliation
From 6 May 2014, before lodging a claim in the employment tribunal, prospective claimants are required to contact Acas, providing certain information, so that an attempt at conciliation can be made. Acas will endeavour to promote a settlement during a one-month period. If it concludes that a settlement is not possible, or the period expires without a settlement being reached, Acas will issue an early conciliation certificate to the prospective claimant, who cannot commence relevant tribunal proceedings without it.
Legal timetable
Employment law manual
How to
FAQs
- Who will Acas contact about the early conciliation of a potential employment tribunal claim?
- Will a failure by either party to engage in early conciliation be taken into account by an employment tribunal?
- Is a fee payable by employees or employers wanting to make use of Acas early conciliation?
- Is it possible for a potential claimant to lodge a claim with an employment tribunal without first notifying Acas through the early conciliation process?
- Can a potential claimant's legal representative contact Acas and engage in early conciliation on his or her behalf?
- Must an employer agree to take part in early conciliation if contacted by Acas?
- What is the Acas early conciliation process?
- How long will a potential claimant have to lodge an employment tribunal claim if early conciliation is not successful?
- For how long after an employee has left an organisation can he or she make use of early conciliation?
Policies and documents
- Policy on initial steps to take when Acas makes contact about early conciliation
- Early conciliation notification form