Around 1,000 people a week have been using a new service designed to help employers and employees settle workplace disputes more quickly and efficiently.
From 6 May, it became compulsory for anyone thinking of making an employment tribunal claim to first contact employment relations specialists Acas to discuss using its free Early Conciliation service, which was launched on 6 April.
Acas announced on 6 May that:
- around 1,000 people have contacted Acas about Early Conciliation each week since its launch;
- 98 per cent have decided to try the service;
- the first Early Conciliation case was settled within 24 hours; and
- 100 employers have contacted Acas to try Early Conciliation.
If Early Conciliation is unable to resolve the dispute then the claimant will still be able to lodge a tribunal claim.
Early Conciliation is built on the success of a similar optional service which Acas had previously offered known as “Pre Claim Conciliation”. The service dealt with around 20,000 cases a year and over three-quarters of these were resolved in a way that did not lead to a tribunal claim. Pre Claim Conciliation became Early Conciliation on 6 April 2014.
While Early Conciliation may help to resolve some employment disputes, others will require the advice of employment law specialists.
Palmers’ Employment Law team can assist in all types of employment dispute and will help to bring matters to a conclusion as quickly as possible. We can also provide expert advice on all aspects of employment law. Our HR package includes clear, compliant policies and procedures designed to help minimise the risk of employment disputes arising. For more information, please contact Lara Murray.
In aid of Dementia Awareness Week (13 - 17 May 2024) Palmers Solicitors are proud to support Alzheimer’s Society (RCN 296645) to help end the devastation caused by dementia.