Which ADR method is usually used in employment disputes via ACAS?

Which ADR method is usually used in employment disputes via ACAS?

• A. Mediation
• B. Negotiation
• C. Arbitration
• D. Conciliation

Answer: (D)

ACAS uses conciliation. In this process a neutral ACAS conciliator works with both sides—employer and employee—to explore settlements and, if possible, agree terms of a resolution without going to a tribunal. The aim is informal, non-binding help to reach a settlement; the conciliator may suggest possible terms, which distinguishes conciliation from pure negotiation. This is different from mediation, where a mediator facilitates discussion but doesn’t typically propose terms, and from arbitration, where a binding decision is imposed by an arbitrator. In employment disputes, ACAS’s Early Conciliation service requires parties to engage in this conciliation step before a claim can proceed to the Employment Tribunal, making conciliation the usual ADR method used via ACAS.

ACAS uses conciliation. In this process a neutral ACAS conciliator works with both sides—employer and employee—to explore settlements and, if possible, agree terms of a resolution without going to a tribunal. The aim is informal, non-binding help to reach a settlement; the conciliator may suggest possible terms, which distinguishes conciliation from pure negotiation. This is different from mediation, where a mediator facilitates discussion but doesn’t typically propose terms, and from arbitration, where a binding decision is imposed by an arbitrator. In employment disputes, ACAS’s Early Conciliation service requires parties to engage in this conciliation step before a claim can proceed to the Employment Tribunal, making conciliation the usual ADR method used via ACAS.