Going through ACAS early conciliation?
Before you can make a tribunal claim, you must contact ACAS and go through early conciliation. This is a mandatory step, and understanding the process helps you prepare.
What happens at this stage
Contact ACAS
You must contact ACAS before submitting a tribunal claim. You can do this online or by phone. ACAS will assign you a conciliation officer.
Receive your EC certificate
After contacting ACAS, you'll receive an Early Conciliation (EC) certificate with a unique number. You'll need this when submitting your tribunal claim.
Understand the conciliation process
ACAS will try to help you and your employer reach an agreement. This is voluntary - neither side has to agree, but many cases settle at this stage.
Track your deadlines
The EC process pauses the time limit for making a tribunal claim, but you still need to act within the extended deadline. Missing it means you lose your right to claim.
Common questions at this stage
Do I have to go through ACAS early conciliation?
Yes, it's mandatory. You cannot submit a tribunal claim without first contacting ACAS and going through early conciliation. You'll need your EC certificate number to complete the ET1 form.
How long does early conciliation take?
The process typically takes up to 12 weeks, though it can be extended if both sides agree. If no agreement is reached, you'll receive your EC certificate and can proceed with your tribunal claim.
What if my employer won't engage with ACAS?
Your employer doesn't have to engage, but ACAS will still issue your EC certificate. You can then proceed with your tribunal claim. Their refusal to engage may be relevant to your case.
Can I make a claim if early conciliation fails?
Yes. If no agreement is reached, you'll receive your EC certificate and can submit your tribunal claim. Make sure you do this within the extended deadline - Yerty can help you track this.
How Yerty helps
Free personalised report
Answer a few questions and get a 6-section report covering the rights, claim types, and deadlines relevant to your situation. Free, instant, and a solid starting point.
A platform to manage your case
Track your progress through 8 stages with the Stage Navigator, manage deadlines, build timelines, store documents, and keep everything organised in one place - from first question through to resolution.
Tools that do the heavy lifting
Rights Checker, Claims Translator, Deadline Calculator, Eligibility Checker, document builders, and more. Free and premium tools designed to help you understand your situation and take action.
AI support Beta
Yerty AI is trained with reference to 8,600+ UK tribunal decisions and helps you understand employment law in plain language. Currently in beta - sign up and join the waitlist from your dashboard.
Free personalised report · No credit card required
Yerty provides information and tools - not legal advice. For complex situations, we recommend consulting a qualified employment solicitor.
The sooner you understand your situation,
the more options you have
Answer a few questions and get your free personalised report - it takes 5 minutes and you can do it right now.
Yerty provides information and tools - not legal advice. For complex situations, we recommend consulting a qualified employment solicitor.
Yerty provides information and tools - not legal advice. For complex situations, we recommend consulting a qualified employment solicitor.