Acas early conciliation is free, and the time limit is paused while it runs.
Quick facts
- Fee
- None
- Time limit
- Usually 6 months
- First step
- Tell Acas
- Acas conciliation
- Free
- Interim relief
- Within 7 days of dismissal
Tell Acas first
Before you make a claim to an employment tribunal, you must tell Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service).
You’ll be offered the chance to try and settle the dispute without going to tribunal by using Acas’s free ‘early conciliation’ service.
If early conciliation does not work or you choose not to take part, Acas will send you an early conciliation certificate. Use this when you make a claim to the tribunal.
The time limit for making a claim is put on hold while Acas helps you resolve your dispute.
Time limits
You usually have to make a claim within 6 months of your employment ending or the problem happening.
You may be able to apply to continue your paid employment (also known as ‘interim relief’) until the case is decided. You can only apply for interim relief in a few situations, such as dismissal for whistleblowing or trade union activities, and you must make your claim within 7 days of being dismissed.
Cost
You do not have to pay a fee to make a claim to an employment tribunal.
You can get a refund if you paid fees at an employment tribunal or employment appeals tribunal between 29 July 2013 and 26 July 2017.
Getting help
Contact the Acas helpline if you have questions about how the early conciliation process works.
Common questions
How long do I have to make a tribunal claim?
Usually 6 months from your employment ending or the problem happening.
Does it cost anything?
No. You do not have to pay a fee to make a claim to an employment tribunal.
Do I have to contact Acas first?
Usually, yes. Before you make a claim, you must tell Acas.
Does the time limit stop during Acas talks?
Yes. It is put on hold while Acas helps you resolve your dispute.