Get in touch 0117 325 0526
Get in touch 0117 325 0526
From 1 December 2025 the maximum ACAS Early Conciliation period has doubled from 6 weeks to 12 weeks (for claims notified on or after that date). The regulations make no other changes to the ACAS early conciliation process, so it remains the case that either party may end the process at any time.
This extension is intended to ease pressure on ACAS and the tribunal system as it is facing record backlogs. The hope is that this will give ACAS conciliators more time to contact employers and leave a longer period for negotiation and improve settlement rates.
This lengthier conciliation period also extends the period during which the usual limitation deadline for bringing a claim is paused. As a result – particularly given the backlog in tribunals – employers may not receive a claim until more than six months after the event in question.
This means employers face longer uncertainty and need to consider their record-keeping. The new conciliation period effectively creates a longer potential claim window.
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