What Does ACAS Do? A Guide to ACAS for UK Employees
ACAS is the public body that helps resolve workplace disputes in the UK. This guide explains what ACAS does — from free advice and the Codes of Practice to early conciliation, the mandatory step before most employment tribunal claims.
Last updated: July 2026. This guide provides general information, not legal advice.
What is ACAS?
ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) is an independent public body funded by the government. Its role is to improve working life and help resolve workplace disputes in England, Scotland and Wales. ACAS provides free, impartial advice to employees and employers on employment rights and workplace issues.
ACAS is not a regulator and does not take sides. Its core services are: a free helpline and online guidance, early conciliation before an employment tribunal claim, mediation to resolve disputes, and Codes of Practice that tribunals use to judge whether employers acted fairly.
Early conciliation: the gateway to a tribunal claim
Before you can bring most employment tribunal claims — including unfair dismissal, discrimination, and breach of contract — you must contact ACAS for early conciliation. This was introduced in 2014 and is a mandatory step. A tribunal will not accept a claim unless you have an ACAS early conciliation certificate showing the process has been attempted.
Key features of early conciliation:
Pauses the time limit
The standard 3-month tribunal deadline is paused while conciliation is ongoing, and you get at least one month after the certificate issues to file your claim.
Voluntary settlement
ACAS helps both sides try to reach a settlement. If you agree, a legally binding settlement (a COT3) is drawn up and the matter ends — no tribunal needed.
You can start early conciliation online or by phone. It typically lasts up to one month (extendable by two further weeks if both sides want to keep talking). If no settlement is reached, ACAS issues a certificate and you can proceed to a tribunal.
ACAS Codes of Practice
ACAS publishes Codes of Practice that set the standard for fair workplace procedures. The most important is the Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, which covers how employers should handle disciplinary action and employee grievances.
Other Codes include the Code of Practice on requests for a flexible working arrangement and the Code of Practice on dismissal and re-engagement(fire and rehire).
Why the Code matters at tribunal
If an employer unreasonably fails to follow the Code, a tribunal can increase compensation by up to 25%. If an employee unreasonably fails to follow it, compensation can be reduced by up to 25%.
Other ACAS services
Free helpline & guidance
ACAS runs a free confidential helpline (0300 123 1100) and publishes plain-English guidance on rights, procedures and the law.
Mediation
A voluntary, confidential process to help resolve workplace disputes before they escalate to a formal grievance or tribunal claim.
Arbitration
An alternative to a tribunal hearing for unfair dismissal claims, binding only if both parties agree to use it. It is private and usually faster than a tribunal.
Conciliation post-claim
Even after a tribunal claim is lodged, ACAS continues to offer conciliation to try to settle the dispute without a full hearing.
When to contact ACAS
Consider contacting ACAS if you:
- Need free, impartial information about your employment rights
- Are in a dispute with your employer and want to try to settle before a tribunal
- Are approaching the deadline for a tribunal claim and need early conciliation
- Want help resolving a workplace conflict through mediation
- Have been dismissed or are considering resigning and want to understand your options
Time limits are strict. The standard tribunal deadline is 3 months less 1 day from the relevant date. Contact ACAS for early conciliation early — it pauses the clock, but waiting too long risks missing the deadline entirely.
Tip: Use EmploymentCase to log your issue and gather evidence so you are ready if you need to go through ACAS conciliation.