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

If you’ve experienced a dispute at work, you will likely 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 notify Acas if you want to make a claim to an employment tribunal; they will then offer early conciliation.

To start the process, you must fill out an Early Conciliation form within the relevant time frame. This varies depending on the type of claim you are bringing, so it’s important to take legal advice on this to ensure you do not miss the deadline.

After that time frame, you will likely 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.

Time limits

It is important to notify Acas of your intentions within the time limit. In most cases, you have three months minus one day from the date of the incident to make an employment tribunal claim. However, from October 2026, the standard time limit for bringing tribunal claims increases to six months. Read more about the changes to time limits here.

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, call us on 0117 905 9763 or fill out our online enquiry form.