Acas early conciliation: caseload, outcomes and next steps

How to interpret these figures

An ET1 avoided does not necessarily mean a settlement or that either party won. Tracks reflect case types; comparisons between tracks can be misleading.

Suppressed small cells remain suppressed. The data is about Acas services, not the prospects of an individual tribunal case.

Individual and group cases are separate tables. None is a published Acas track label, not a missing value; claimants within group cases are not additional cases.

Useful next steps

• Employee: prepare for a claim →
• Employer: respond to a claim →
• Acas early conciliation guidance →

Practical help: employment disputes and tribunals

Start by separating workplace steps, Acas early conciliation and tribunal proceedings. Their roles differ. A workplace grievance or negotiation does not necessarily protect a tribunal deadline.

Record the issue and dates

Keep the contract, relevant policies, payslips, messages and the decision being challenged. Create a chronology and note who was involved. Employment claims can have short and technical time limits, so check the current official guidance and seek advice promptly.

Understand Acas early conciliation

Check whether you need to notify Acas before making a claim and whether an exception applies. A conciliator can help parties explore settlement, but does not decide who is right. Keep any certificate and use the correct details if a tribunal claim follows.

Prepare the claim or response

An employee’s claim and an employer’s response are different documents. Read the tribunal’s instructions and use the correct submission route. Be clear about the events, issues and what is admitted or disputed; a long bundle of attachments does not replace a properly completed form.

Plan for directions and a hearing

Track the tribunal’s orders for documents, witness statements and hearing preparation. Ask about adjustments or interpreters early. Check with a qualified adviser what costs, remedies and settlement consequences may apply to your circumstances.

Official guidance and related resources

• Employee preparation →
• Employer response preparation →
• Acas early conciliation →
• ET1 claim form →
• ET3 response form →
• Find employment solicitors →