The Government has proposed a further extension to the Acas Early Conciliation (EC) period, increasing the standard timeframe under Rule 6 of the Early Conciliation Rules of Procedure 2014 from six weeks to twelve weeks.
The Employment Tribunals (Early Conciliation: Extension of Period) Regulations 2025 were laid before Parliament on 4 November 2025.
They are subject to the negative resolution procedure, allowing either House of Parliament to annul them within 40 sitting days.
If approved, the extended twelve-week period will apply to all referrals made to Acas on or after 1 December 2025.
Background to the extension to the Acas Early Conciliation period
Early Conciliation was introduced on 6 April 2014 as a mandatory pre-claim process for most employment tribunal claims.
Following a one-month transitional period (6 April–5 May 2014), all claims presented on or after 6 May 2014 required prior notification to Acas.
The EC process is intended to promote early resolution of workplace disputes without recourse to the tribunal.
Once notified, Acas attempts to facilitate settlement between the parties within the statutory timeframe.
If no agreement is reached, Acas issues an EC certificate, which enables the claimant to proceed with a tribunal claim.
Reason for the proposed change to the Acas Early Conciliation period
Acas has reported sustained increases in both the volume and complexity of conciliation requests, placing significant pressure on its resources.
In practice, conciliators often struggle to engage both parties within the current six-week period, limiting the opportunity for meaningful negotiation.
The Government previously extended the EC period from one month to six weeks, with effect from 1 December 2020.
The proposed further extension seeks to provide Acas with greater flexibility to manage caseloads and to improve the prospects of achieving early settlements.
The change also aims to reduce the burden on employment tribunals by resolving more cases before formal proceedings are initiated.
Review and implementation
The effectiveness of the extended twelve-week period will be reviewed in October 2026 to determine whether it remains appropriate.
Subject to Parliamentary approval, the regulations will come into force on 1 December 2025.
To discuss the potential impact of these proposed regulations or for support with managing workplace disputes, please contact our Employment specialists Joanna Alexiou and Neil Emery.
