ACAS ‘early conciliation’ is a free, confidential service helping employers and employees to resolve workplace disputes before they go to tribunal. The early conciliation period can last for up to six weeks. During this time, an ACAS conciliator will liaise with both the employer and the employee with a view to finding a solution parties can agree on. ACAS is impartial and facilitates communication without siding with either the employer or the employee.

Baker Law
Marianne Tyndall, Head of Family and Employment - Solicitor (Baker Law )

Whilst ACAS early conciliation is voluntary, the Court will expect both parties to have at least attempted to reach an agreement prior to tribunal. ACAS must be notified if an employee intends to make an employment tribunal claim. If the employee agrees to ‘early conciliation’ then the timeframe for making a tribunal claim is extended by at least one month to allow time for discussions to take place. If the employer initiates, then the original timeframe remains.

Should the employee and employer reach an agreement, ACAS will write up the terms in a conciliation agreement (COT3), which is legally binding, even before it is signed. If no agreement is reached, ACAS will provide the employee with a certificate, allowing them to proceed to tribunal.

ACAS is not permitted to give legal advice, but individuals can obtain advice from or be represented by a solicitor during the early conciliation process.

If you are facing an employment dispute and would like some advice, please give us a call on 01252 733770, or send an email to [email protected] and we can provide you with a quote for our services.