Essential points 

  • Employers and employees should try to resolve disputes in the workplace before resorting to an employment tribunal. 
  • Failure to comply with the Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures will be taken into account by a tribunal and may result in an uplift or decrease in compensation. 
  • Acas tries to achieve conciliated settlements both before and after a tribunal claim has been presented.  
  • For a tribunal claim to be accepted, it must be on an approved form (ET1) and have been through Acas’ early conciliation process. 
  • Most claimants seek compensation as a remedy although tribunals can also order re-instatement in certain circumstances.

Content

Members access only

Unlock exclusive, tailored content and resources, just for members.

Sign in to access

Not a member yet? Find out how you can become a member today!

Disclaimer 

​Please note: While every care has been taken in compiling this content, CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. 

Employment
law advice

Want more employment law advice? Members can phone the CIPD legal helpline or take out a discounted subscription to HR-inform for additional resources.

Employment law helpline HR-inform
Callout Image

Employment
law helplines

Are you a CIPD member?
Need help with an employment law matter?

Give us a call

CIPD HR-inform

Access over 1500 customisable contracts, policies, letters, case law, and other HR tools, with CIPD members enjoying a 50% discount.

Find out more

Related content on employment tribunals

Factsheet
The role of employment tribunals

Guidance for employers on the claims process, the tribunal hearing and settlement of claims

For Members
Topic
Employment tribunals

Explore our resources to help you deal with employment tribunal claims.

Thought leadership
Time to strengthen UK labour market enforcement

Rachel Suff reflects on CIPD's new report, Revamping labour market enforcement in the UK, and considers the case for reform of the UK enforcement system

Report
Revamping labour market enforcement in the UK

Drawing on policy insight and stakeholder input, the CIPD proposes a new approach to labour market enforcement

Employment law

Access more employment law resources

Employment law
TUPE: UK employment law

What you need to know about TUPE transfers; including how the UK court see breaches of these notoriously complex regulations.

For Members
Employment law
AI and technology in the workplace: UK employment law

Guidance on the legal considerations on the use of technology and AI in UK workplaces

For Members
Employment law
Maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave and pay: UK employment law

Explore our collection of resources around maternity and parental rights, including Q&As on shared parental leave and adoption law and relevant case law

For Members