How to resolve a dispute at work using Acas’ Early Conciliation process

If you’ve experienced a dispute at work, you’re likely to want to resolve it quickly and without any further stress or legal costs. Acas’ Early Conciliation process helps employees and employers to resolve workplace disputes without the need to go to an employment tribunal.

How does the Early Conciliation process work?

By using Acas’ Early Conciliation process, you can work together to find a solution acceptable to both parties without the need for an employment tribunal claim (or a hearing, if the claim has already been made).

You must contact Acas and start the process by filling out an Early Conciliation form within the relevant time frame. This time frame varies depending on the type of claim you are bringing. Therefore, it’s important to take legal advice on this to ensure you do not miss that deadline.

After that time frame, it’s very likely that you will be prevented from bringing your claim in an employment tribunal. Consequently, your employer is not likely to settle that dispute because the risk of you bringing a claim against them will be greatly reduced by the fact that you are out of time to bring your claim.

It’s really important that you complete this form correctly. It can also be useful to send a letter to your employer at the same time, detailing your potential claim(s). This letter can then be disclosed to Acas and can be a useful guide for all parties on your position and what you would like to achieve from the Early Conciliation. We can help you with completing the Acas form and drafting the letter to your employer.

During Acas’ conversations with the other party, they may be able to reach a compromise. In this case, both parties will sign an agreement setting out the terms of settlement (a COT3). This is a legally binding agreement setting out the terms upon which the parties have agreed to settle the dispute. It is common for an agreed reference to form part of the COT3, as well as a clause setting out that both parties will not ‘bad mouth’ each other and crucially, that you (the employee) will not to pursue any claims against your employer/former employer.

What if we can’t reach an agreement?

If you or your employer don’t want to engage in settlement discussions at all, or, if an agreement cannot be reached, despite attempts being made, Acas will close the process and issue a certificate to confirm that the process has concluded. At this stage, you are free to submit your claim to the employment tribunal. You should also include your Early Conciliation certificate number issued by Acas.

When should I seek legal advice on a dispute at work?

Although you can represent yourself throughout the entire Early Conciliation process and/or process of bringing your claim, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice as early as possible. The law in this area is not always logical and there is therefore a risk that you could do something, or fail to do something, that could prejudice your potential claim(s).

Our solicitors appreciate that seeking legal advice, especially when you’ve just lost your job or are at risk of losing your job, can be a huge concern. Our employment solicitors are therefore happy to help you as much or as little as you need throughout this process. We strive to provide you with legal guidance that is intelligent, efficient and clear. Our solicitors find practical, common-sense solutions to your issues whilst maintaining the highest standards of client care.

To speak to one of our experienced employment solicitors in Bristol about a dispute at work or any other employment law matter, call us on 0117 905 9763 or fill out our online enquiry form.