Claim types
Claiming an ACAS Uplift
When you can ask the employment tribunal to increase your compensation by up to 25%.
Last updated 8 February 2026
Overview
If an employer unreasonably fails to follow the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary or grievance procedures, the Employment Tribunal can increase any award you win by up to 25%.
This is known as an ACAS Uplift.
When you can claim the uplift
- You submitted a formal grievance and your employer ignored it or failed to hold a grievance hearing.
- You were dismissed for performance or conduct, but the employer did not follow a fair disciplinary procedure (e.g., no warnings, no meetings).
- The employer denied you the right to be accompanied to a disciplinary or grievance hearing.
- The employer's failure to follow the Code of Practice was 'unreasonable'.
When the uplift does NOT apply
- Redundancy dismissals (the ACAS Code does not apply to redundancies).
- Non-renewal of a fixed-term contract.
- Ill-health dismissals where there is no disciplinary element.
- If the employer’s failure to follow the code was genuinely 'reasonable' under the circumstances.
Common questions
Does the uplift apply to my whole award?
It generally applies to compensatory elements, but it does not apply to certain statutory awards like the basic award for unfair dismissal, or to injury to feelings in some mixed claims (though tribunal discretion applies).
How much will I get?
The tribunal can award anywhere from 0% to 25%. The maximum 25% is usually reserved for employers who completely ignore the Code, rather than make minor procedural mistakes.
Can my compensation be reduced instead?
Yes. If YOU unreasonably failed to follow the ACAS Code (e.g., you refused to attend a grievance hearing without a valid reason or didn't appeal your dismissal), the tribunal can reduce your compensation by up to 25%.
Next steps
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