ACAS FAQ’S

ACAS short for (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides both employers and employees with free and impartial advice on every aspect of Employment Law and workplace life. They can help resolve matters between employers and employees such as pay disputes, grievances and dismissals amongst other things. Employer Advice have over 80 years of experience in...

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Rishi Sard
By: Rishi Sard
August 28, 2024

ACAS short for (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides both employers and employees with free and impartial advice on every aspect of Employment Law and workplace life. They can help resolve matters between employers and employees such as pay disputes, grievances and dismissals amongst other things.

Employer Advice have over 80 years of experience in helping employers keep up to date and compliant with HR and  Employment Law legislation. As a result we offer expert ACAS code based advice, helping you and your business to navigate the often convoluted world of HR and Employment Law. Talk to one of our advisors today! Call 0800 470 3529.
Employer discussing ACAS FAQ s including a settlement agreement on multiple tribunal claims.

What can ACAS do for you?

ACAS was set up to provide support in the following areas:

If you’re an employer, getting ACAS based advice in line with the ACAS Code of Practice is paramount to creating good employment practices and a positive working environment. Following the ACAS code can also help you reduce the risk of disputes.

In case disputes do arise then discussing the matter with a professional who has the knowledge surrounding ACAS’ code can be the difference between successfully mitigating a tribunal or not.
ACAS representative answering employer questions regarding the the employment rights act over the phone.

Can you call ACAS for advice?

Yes, you can call the ACAS contact number to access their helpline services. Alternatively, you can contact them via their textphone line.

  • ACAS helpline: 0300 123 1100
  • Textphone: 18001 0300 123 1100

Lines are open 5 days a week from Monday to Friday, 8am until 6pm.

What is the ACAS helpline used for?

The ACAS helpline offers free confidential advice for employees, workers and employers on Employment Law and HR, including:

  • Any work-related problem you have.
  • What the law states and how it is related to your situation.
  • Good practice in the workplace.
  • Your options in your current situation.
  • Any risks and or benefits given your current situation.

ACAS helpline staff offering early conciliation services to employers regarding a dispute with trade unions over unfair dismissal best practice.

What happens if you contact ACAS?

Upon Contacting ACAS they may offer you a free early conciliation service. This is intended to help settle the dispute without the need to go to an employment tribunal. An ACAS representative will talk to your employee and yourself, separately, to try and resolve the problem.

What can you report to ACAS?

Employees and employers can report any and all workplace problems to ACAS, this can be for advice over the legalities of dismissing an employee, through to dealing with claims of workplace misconduct.

Harassment

Claims of harassment can be reported directly to ACAS. Harassment by definition, is unwanted behavior related to protected characteristics, such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.

Complaints

Complaints made to ACAS must be related to an event that is no more than 6 months in the past. ACAS typically responds within 10 working days of receiving complaints.

Group claims

Group claims to employment tribunals can be reported to ACAS. As with singular claims ACAS will offer an early conciliation service to try and resolve the issue before it gets to the tribunal stage.

Mediation Service

ACAS offers a mediation service for employers and employees to help come to an agreement without the need for extensive legal action.

ACAS representative helping an employer and an employee resolve a claim to an an agreement without intense legal negotiations

What to do if an employee raises a problem?

Allow your employee to arrange a meeting where you can discuss the issue. An informal chat can work as well as a formal meeting. Remind them they can bring a colleague or a trade union representative to the meeting if they wish.

If the employee is raising a grievance, allow them to fully explain the situation as well as any solutions that they might have for solving the issue. Once the employee has communicated the issue you should respond in writing with any decisions and or follow-ups on the matter.

Can employers ignore ACAS Codes?

If facing an employment tribunal, it is highly advisable not to ignore an ACAS Code. You would stand a greater chance of losing the case and any compensation you would have to pay out would increase.

ACAS can advise on most cases of concerns regarding employment and employer and employee obligation.

What are some examples of ACAS Codes of Practice?

Disciplinary Code of Practice:

This code offers guidance on how an employer should conduct an investigation into an employee’s poor work performance and/or behaviour as well as guidelines for disciplinary hearings.

Grievance Code of Practice:

In the case of an employee raising a grievance ACAS will offer them guidance on how to make a formal complaint as well as outline the correct way to conduct grievance procedures.

Capability (aka Performance) Code of Practice:

These are procedures set out by ACAS for employees who are not meeting the required working standards.

Dismissal Code of Practice:

ACAS offers Employer guidance on fair process and how to abide by a fair process when applying it to the dismissal of a staff member.

Contact Employer Advice for expert ACAS Based advice on how you can understand and implement best practices in line with employment law. Call 0800 470 3529.

 

More About
Rishi Sard
Rishi is a business consultant at Employer Advice, and has been helping businesses facing challenges in HR, such as sickness, contracts and tackling difficult conversations.

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