Newsflash: ACAS web portal – early conciliation

What do we already know?

The new Early Conciliation Rules of Procedure (EC) came into force on 6 April 2014.  Any new requests for conciliation from that date will be treated as EC.  However, the EC process will only be mandatory for claims presented to a Tribunal on or after 6 May 2014.  For further details on the Procedure please see our March Newsletter Government Reforms (1): ACAS early conciliation.

What’s new?

ACAS has launched a portal for EC which you can access here.  The portal contains information about the EC process for individuals, employers and their representatives.  It also includes the EC form for individuals to start the process by notifying ACAS of their intention to bring a claim.

Employers wishing to initiate EC themselves must make contact by telephone, as there is no form.  The telephone number for EC notification is 0300 123 1122.  Parties can also call the ACAS helpline on 0300 123 1100 for guidance.