Employment Law Explained

ACAS

ACAS are an independent organisation who attempt to assist both parties in a Tribunal complaint to reach an amicable settlement.

After a Tribunal complaint has been issued, they will contact both parties to introduce themselves. They will thereafter act as a "middle man" to promote a conciliation agreement between the parties as an alternative to the Tribunal dealing with the claim at a hearing.

The terms of any settlement will be contained within a written agreement called a "COT 3" which will be signed by or on behalf of both parties. This will conclude the claim and the Tribunal will be notified of this by ACAS.

From 1st October 2004, there are now limited time windows in which ACAS can assist parties to settle claims, they are normally 13 weeks from the start of the claim or 7 weeks in cases of unlawful deduction from wages and statutory redundancy pay.