Government Proposes to Double Acas Early Conciliation Window to 12 Weeks
Alan Kitto
The Government has unveiled draft regulations to extend the Early Conciliation period administered by Acas from six weeks to 12 weeks, effective for cases where conciliation begins on or after 1 December 2025. The change forms part of the Employment Tribunals (Early Conciliation: Exemptions and Rules of Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and aims to provide more time for parties to settle disputes without proceeding to Employment Tribunals.
The government says the change will give conciliators and parties “more time to engage meaningfully” and relieve strain on a backlog-laden tribunal system. However, employment law experts caution that the extension may increase uncertainty for employers, particularly when combined with the proposed extension of the primary tribunal limitation period from three to six months.
From 1 December 2025, any claim where Acas Early Conciliation is commenced will fall under the new 12-week window. Cases already underway under the existing six-week limit will continue to follow the old timetable.