From 1st April 2014, anyone thinking about making an employment tribunal claim has been required to contact Acas first. Acas has then offered Early Conciliation to try and resolve the dispute quickly and cost effectively.

The employee claimant (or employer claimant) is required to complete an Early Conciliation request form. The limitation period for bringing a tribunal claim will be suspended until Early Conciliation has been completed. Acas will then issue an Early Conciliation certificate which confirms to the Tribunal that the claimant has complied with the Early Conciliation procedure but settlement has not been reached.