ACAS Conciliation Calculator
ACAS Conciliation Estimate
Conciliation Period-
Tribunal Deadline (extended)-
Low Settlement Estimate-
Typical Settlement-
Maximum Tribunal Award-
ACAS Conciliation Timeline
| Stage | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial contact by ACAS | Within 2 days | ACAS contacts respondent after form received |
| Conciliation period | Up to 6 weeks | Can be extended by 2 weeks if progress being made |
| Total maximum period | Up to 8 weeks | Including extension |
| Certificate issued | End of period | Required before tribunal claim can be issued |
| Tribunal time limit paused | During conciliation | Clock stops, minimum 1 month extension |
Conciliation Success Rates
Cases Settled
~35%
Cases Withdrawn
~25%
Go to Tribunal
~40%
Avg Settlement
£6,000-£12,000
ACAS Fee
£0 (Free)
Mandatory Step
Yes
How to Use This Calculator
1
Select your claim type
The type of claim affects potential award ranges and settlement expectations.
2
Enter your pay details
Gross weekly pay helps estimate the basic award and compensatory loss.
3
Add years of service
Service length affects redundancy and basic award calculations.
4
Assess case strength
Stronger cases tend to settle for higher amounts as the employer faces greater tribunal risk.
5
Review settlement range
Compare the settlement range with the maximum tribunal award to inform negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ACAS early conciliation?
ACAS early conciliation is a mandatory step before bringing an employment tribunal claim. You submit an early conciliation form online or by phone. ACAS then contacts your employer to try to reach a settlement. The service is completely free. If conciliation fails, ACAS issues an early conciliation certificate which you need to file your tribunal claim.
How long does ACAS conciliation take?
The standard conciliation period is up to 6 weeks (previously 1 month). This can be extended by up to 2 weeks if ACAS believes settlement is still possible. In practice, many cases settle within 2-3 weeks. If no settlement is reached, ACAS issues the certificate promptly and you can then file your tribunal claim.
Is ACAS conciliation really free?
Yes, ACAS early conciliation is entirely free for both the employee and employer. There are no fees at any stage. ACAS conciliators are neutral and do not take sides. They help both parties understand the strengths and weaknesses of the case and explore settlement options.
What happens if ACAS conciliation fails?
If conciliation does not result in a settlement, ACAS issues an early conciliation certificate with a unique reference number. You then have the remainder of your time limit (plus at least 1 month) to file your tribunal claim. The time limit clock is paused during the conciliation period.
How much should I settle for?
Settlement amounts depend on case strength, potential tribunal award, and the cost and stress of tribunal proceedings. A common range is 2-6 months gross pay for unfair dismissal claims with moderate strength. Discrimination claims can settle for significantly more due to uncapped compensation. Consider the 30,000 pound tax-free threshold when negotiating.
Official Sources & References
Data verified against official UK government sources. Last checked April 2026.