ACAS Early Conciliation Guide
Complete guide to ACAS early conciliation - the mandatory first step before any Employment Tribunal claim. Learn how it works, timelines, and how it extends your deadline.
Quick Reference
Key Things to Know
How Time Limits Are Extended
Day A is when you contact ACAS, Day B is when the certificate is issued.
- • If your deadline falls between Day A and Day B, you get at least 1 month from Day B.
- • If your deadline falls after Day B, you get the remaining time plus the conciliation period.
When ACAS Is Not Required
Limited exceptions exist:
- • Claims against the Secretary of State for redundancy payments from the National Insurance Fund
- • Certain other specific claim types
For the vast majority of claims, ACAS is mandatory.
The Early Conciliation Process
Contact ACAS
Call 0300 123 1100 or submit the online form at acas.org.uk/early-conciliation. Provide your details and your employer's details.
ACAS contacts your employer
A conciliator will contact your employer to see if they are willing to engage in conciliation.
Conciliation period
ACAS has up to 12 weeks to help you reach a settlement (the period was doubled from 6 weeks on 1 December 2025).
Settlement or certificate
If you settle, ACAS records it on a COT3 form (legally binding). If not, ACAS issues an Early Conciliation certificate.
Submit your ET1
Once you have your certificate, submit your ET1 form. Your time limit is extended by the conciliation period.
Tips for Early Conciliation
- Contact ACAS as early as possible - Don't wait until close to your deadline. Starting early gives you maximum flexibility.
- Keep your certificate safe - You need the certificate number on your ET1 form. Save a digital copy as well.
- Be open to settlement - Many cases settle through ACAS. A reasonable settlement avoids the uncertainty of a tribunal hearing.
- Know your minimum acceptable amount - Before conciliation starts, work out the minimum settlement you would accept.
- Settlements through ACAS are tax-free - The first £30,000 of a settlement agreed through ACAS is normally exempt from income tax.
- You don't need a solicitor - ACAS conciliation is designed to be accessible. You can participate without legal representation.
Related Guides
Employment Tribunal Time Limits
Understand the strict deadlines for making a claim
How to Submit Your ET1
Step-by-step guide to completing and submitting your ET1 form
Unfair Dismissal Guide
Complete guide to unfair dismissal claims
Particulars of Claim Template
What to include in section 8.2 of your ET1
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