Acas: ‘helpline reduces number of employment tribunals’

Independent research has revealed that the Acas helpline has averted around 14,000 employment tribunals a year.

The research commissioned by Acas found that 96% of employers who call the Acas helpline would recommend it to a colleague, while 33% of employers say they implemented new policies after speaking to Acas.

It also stated that 47% reported that they had updated or improved the policies at their workplace after calling the helpline, while 23% of employees who were considering making a claim to an employment tribunal did not pursue a claim following the advice they received.

In regards to the most common workplace concerns worrying employers and employees – discipline, dismissal and grievance topped the list with 27% of peoples votes, with redundancies and layoffs (23%) and contracts (19%) coming next.

It was reported that last year the helpline dealt with 925,000 calls from employers, employees or their representatives.

In wake of these findings, Acas Chair, Ed Sweeney, said:

“Our free helpline is a highly trusted source of free advice with over 90% of callers satisfied with the service.

“The independent research demonstrates that the impact of the helpline has long term benefits for the British workplace and significant savings to the economy.

“Our staff have helped to avoid costly employment tribunals with the majority of calls coming from people who work in the private sector. We know that the earlier you seek advice the more likely you are to be able to avoid the cost, stress and time involved in an employment tribunal.”