Tribunal process
ACAS Early Conciliation
Learn how the acas early conciliation process works, from filing the form to receiving your certificate.
Last updated 17 August 2026
Free case tool
Check your likely tribunal deadline
Estimate your limitation date and see how the timing of ACAS Early Conciliation may pause and extend the calculation.
What is early conciliation in Acas?
The acas early conciliation process is a mandatory first step before you can take any claim (like unfair dismissal or discrimination) to a tribunal.
Early conciliation acas is free and aimed at resolving the issue without a full hearing.
You must submit an acas early conciliation notification form to tell ACAS about your dispute.
How to start early conciliation
- 01
Submit the acas early conciliation form online
Provide your details and the correct legal name of your employer.
- 02
Receive your acas early conciliation number
You will be assigned a unique acas early conciliation number for your case.
- 03
Talk to a conciliator
A conciliator will call you or use the acas early conciliation contact number to discuss if settlement is possible. They may grant an acas extension of time limits if you are actively negotiating.
- 04
Receive your acas early conciliation certificate
If conciliation fails or you decide to stop, ACAS will issue an acas early conciliation certificate.
ACAS deadlines and extensions
Is Acas early conciliation worth it?
Absolutely. Acas early conciliation is worth it because it is a free, confidential way to resolve a dispute without the stress and cost of a tribunal hearing.
How much does Acas early conciliation cost?
Acas early conciliation is completely free for both the employee and the employer.
How does the acas extension work?
The acas ec extension 'stops the clock' on your tribunal deadline for the period you are in conciliation. Use an acas deadline calculator to find your adjusted filing date.
What are the acas deadlines for response?
While acas deadlines for response are usually flexible, you should remain engaged to avoid losing your chance for an acas extension if needed.
What is an acas early conciliation form pdf?
The acas early conciliation form pdf is a paper version of the notification, but the online system is the preferred way to start the process.
Use Early Conciliation dates in the deadline calculation
- 01
Record the original event date
Calculate the unadjusted deadline for each possible claim first.
- 02
Keep the Acas notification date
Record when Acas received the valid notification rather than relying on memory.
- 03
Keep the certificate date and number
The certificate is needed for the ET1 and its date affects the limitation calculation.
- 04
Recalculate and verify
Apply the statutory timing rules to each claim and obtain advice urgently if any date is uncertain.
Key guidance
Next steps
Keep your facts organised and protect your time limits with the tools below.
Start case check