Settlement & Negotiation
ACAS Early Conciliation, handled properly
Preparation and support through ACAS Early Conciliation — the mandatory first step before almost any tribunal claim — including a benchmarked settlement position and a written position statement.
Why it works
What this gives you
The mandatory gateway, used well
You must notify ACAS before most tribunal claims. Treated as a formality, it wastes leverage; prepared properly, it is often where cases settle on strong terms.
A benchmarked number
We assess the realistic settlement range for your claim type — basic and compensatory elements, injury to feelings where relevant — so you negotiate against evidence, not hope.
Your position, in writing
A structured position statement puts your case and the employer's exposure squarely, giving the conciliator something concrete to carry.
The clock, managed
Early Conciliation pauses the tribunal time limit while it runs. We track the dates precisely so no deadline is ever put at risk.
Scope, in writing
What’s included
- ACAS Early Conciliation process guidance
- Negotiation preparation and position statement
- Settlement range assessment and benchmarking
- Conciliation support and written briefing
- Outcome review and next-steps advice
Transparent fees
What it costs
A single fixed fee of £895 for all salary bands. No VAT is charged.
How salary-banded fees work
Fees are scaled to your gross annual salary — Band A (under £30,000), Band B (£30,000–£39,999), Band C (£40,000–£59,999), Band D (£60,000–£79,999) and Band E (£80,000+). Your exact fixed fee is confirmed in your Engagement Letter before any work begins. We are not VAT registered, so no VAT is added: the fee quoted is the fee you pay.
Questions, answered plainly
Frequently asked questions
For almost all tribunal claims, yes — you need an Early Conciliation certificate before a claim can be presented. It is also free to use and confidential.
Most tribunal claims must be presented within three months less one day of the act complained of. Early Conciliation pauses that clock while it runs — but the calculation has traps, which is exactly why we manage the dates for you.
They can decline to conciliate. If so, ACAS issues the certificate and the tribunal route opens — with your ET1 preparation already scoped.
Yes. Early Conciliation is available whether you have been dismissed or remain employed with a live dispute.
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