Has anyone used ACAS?

[GrumpyOldBag]

Interested to know your experiences, and whether it led to a settlement you feel was fair?

Asking for a friend who is in dispute with a former employer.

Used it and the conciliator was very friendly and helpful but the employer was not willing to negotiate so we very quickly got the certificate saying no settlement had been reached. A shame as I think it's a great way to try to prevent things escalating and I love that it's free! We are now taking the employer to tribunal and have been assigned the same conciliator we had before in the hope a settlement can be reached before the hearing.
So although we didn't come to an agreement, the service was good, clear and easy to use.

Yes, they were great. Conciliator was really helpful (although frustrated by my previous employer's stock reply - "we've just had a baby, I don't have time for this" ) Certificate was quickly issued, and I had the same conciliator who talked me through the tribunal process, and held my hand through it. I have nothing but praise for them.

Good to know, thanks - anyone had any experience where ACAS helped them reach a deal rather than have to go to tribunal?

And how did you both get on at tribunal, Jaxxon & Delicto?

I've had good advice re submitting a grievance

ACAS is there as a go between, to try to get the two sides talking and passing messages back and forth. At any point, if either side signals they are done with the process of Conciliation, and not willing to continue, ACAS will back away. They aren't there to actually strike the deal - as in do any negotiations - other than being a messenger.

There is an important distinction.

The theory is that if ACAS can keep the two sides talking there's some hope the two sides can settle their differences sufficiently to strike a deal and avert Tribunal.

The reality is that the only way that can happen is if there is a strong enough case that the risk of Tribunal is high, and settling out of court is a better way forward than the expense of Tribunal.

If the case is weak, then ACAS won't make a deal happen.

Mostly it is the presence of legal representation that becomes the game changer, not ACAS.

I spoke to Acas after my job was "reorganised ". They helped me with knowing what i needed to ask my employer for, and then because of my knowledge I was able to get a settlement agreement rather than just leave. I found their phone line service very useful.

I won the tribunal. Xboss refused to pay the month's wage after I left abruptly due to his bullying. Presented myself in court, female judge who was straight talking but gentle with it. Caught him out lying under oath. Once she made her judgement he started trying to present additional evidence! She blew him down, and basically said tough, the judgement stands. 8 days later he paid me.

The look of horror on that rather mysogynic bully's face at the judgement was worth all the angst (and having to borrow court fees from my dad)

Haven't had our hearing yet, sceduled for early October but hoping we can come to an agreement before that. Will update if I remember!