01702 216573
Before someone (normally an ex-employee) can make a claim to an employment tribunal, they must first contact ACAS who will offer early conciliation. The aim is to help the parties come to an agreement before going to tribunal. The early conciliation period is currently one calendar month (i.e. this is the length of time within which a conciliation officer is under a duty to promote a settlement.
From 1 December 2020, this length of time will increase to six weeks. A conciliation officer will, however, no longer have the power to extend this period of time even where they consider that there are reasonable prospects of achieving settlement. That said, parties can of course still continue to negotiate directly, via legal representatives or via ACAS.
Fiona Haworth. You can contact Fiona on fiona@practicalhr.co.uk
If you feel that you need guidance or advice on this matter, please call Practical HR on 01702 216573 or email Fiona on the above.