Anyone used mediation to settle an employment dispute?

[themothership]

...what was it like and did it help sort things out?

Would have to be an external party like ACAS in my situation as the company is too small and there is no one else impartial who can get involved (my beef is with the MD no less, who handles HR).

Yes, mediation was fine and it's all done over the telephone (in my situation). It was done speedily so make sure you have figures in your head and that you are ready to negotiate

I used acas to mediate with a disguntled ex employee and while hard to get hold of (lots of cases) he did mediate for me and I settled out of court. I would recommend going down this route.