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Thinking of an employment tribunal claim? Start with Acas early conciliation

Before most employment tribunal claims in England, Scotland and Wales, you must notify Acas. This guide explains how free early conciliation works, who it does not apply to, what the conciliator can and cannot do, and what happens if no agreement is reached.

Reviewed 06/11/2026 · Applies to: England, Scotland and Wales

Who this helps

Employees and workers in England, Scotland and Wales who have a dispute with their employer and are considering an employment tribunal claim.

What to do

Try to sort the problem out with your employer first if you can: raise it informally, raise a formal grievance, or appeal an outcome. Acas recommends this, but it does not pause or change the time limits for making a tribunal claim.
Check your employment tribunal deadline straight away. Time limits are strict, so use the Acas time limits guidance or get advice rather than waiting.
Before you make most employment tribunal claims, you must notify Acas that you plan to claim. You do not need to if you are claiming with someone who already completed early conciliation, the employer has already notified Acas and you can show evidence of this, you are only claiming unfair dismissal with interim relief, or Acas cannot conciliate on your claim.
Decide whether to take part in early conciliation. Acas offers it free of charge, and both you and your employer choose whether to take part.
Understand what the conciliator can and cannot do. They try to help both sides reach an agreement, but they cannot represent you, take sides, assess whether your case is strong or give legal advice.
If you reach an agreement, it is a legal agreement. Read the terms carefully and get independent advice before agreeing if you are unsure.
If there is no agreement, or you choose not to take part, Acas sends you an early conciliation certificate (one for each employer you are claiming against). You need it to make your claim, and you will have at least one month left to claim after you receive it.

Before you act

This covers England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate system.
Tribunal time limits are strict and raising a grievance does not pause them. Check your deadline early.
Acas cannot give legal advice or judge your case. This guide is general information, not legal advice; consider Citizens Advice, a trade union or a solicitor for advice on your situation.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

UK government guidance: before you make an employment tribunal claim ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.