ACAS early conciliation

Before the majority of proceedings can start, an applicant must contact ACAS and complete the early conciliation (EC) procedure. This procedure is free. The EC form can be completed online and must be done at any time within the normal time limit.

Once the form has been sent, time will stop running to enable ACAS to contact the parties and attempt settlement. Up to one month will be available (with an additional two weeks at the discretion of ACAS where settlement appears likely).

Where settlement is not achieved, ACAS will then send an EC certificate to the applicant which includes a reference number. The applicant should include this number on the ET1. Time will start running again from the point the EC Certificate is deemed received by the applicant and they will have at least one month from that date in which to lodge their ET1.