An early conciliation procedure is to be launched by Acas on 6 April 2014.
It will only be possible to lodge an employment tribunal claim once the Acas early conciliation procedure has been triggered and completed.
As with many of the current government’s initiatives, it is a process that is still taking shape, and information is being provided on a piece-by-piece basis.
Acas has not yet issued guidance and the forms to be used for early conciliation have not yet been issued.
It is important to remember that it will not be mandatory – until 6 May 2014 – to notify Acas of a dispute and trigger early conciliation.
This procedure will be undertaken by regional organisers once the union’s solicitors assess that a legal case has reasonable prospects of success.
Triggering the early conciliation procedure changes the deadline within which to lodge claims.
Please remember, therefore, to refer legal cases to your regional organisers as soon as possible, and in good time before the deadline of three months (less one day).
UNISON will be sending out branch guidance and the new case forms very shortly.