18/11/2025

The Acas Early Conciliation Rules are changing from 1 December 2025 with the current window of six weeks being extended to 12 weeks.

Acas is the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. It is a government-funded body that helps employers and employees resolve workplace disputes.

Early conciliation is when Acas talks to both employer and employee in the event of a dispute to help both parties reach agreement without having to go to an employment tribunal.

At present, early conciliation can only last for six weeks but from 1 December this year the timeframe will be increased to 12 weeks to alleviate the pressure on Acas and respond to increased demand for the service.

This doesn’t affect the time limits for making a claim to an employment tribunal. In most cases, this is three months minus one day from the date the problem at work happened. Acas advises that it is important to notify them of a problem within the employment tribunal time limit. It is at this point that, if appropriate, they will offer you early conciliation as a means of resolving your dispute.

For advice on any employment matter, contact our Stoke-on-Trent solicitors on 01782 205000 or our Altrincham solicitors on 0161 929 8494. Alternatively, you can email enquiry@beswicks.com.