Official figures reveal that most employees would rather settle disputes using the Acas Early Conciliation (EC) scheme than employment tribunals.
The report showed that over 17,000 employees used EC during the first three months after its launch on April 6th. Employees made over 16,000 enquiries to the service, while employers made 540. This high engagement can partly be attributed to the law requiring anyone considering an employment tribunal claim to contact Acas first.
In the month of April alone, 1,000 people per week contacted the service, increasing by another 600 in May and June.
Another reason for the high engagement could be because of the introduction of tribunal fees in July 2013. Human resource experts explain that many employees, especially the low paid ones, cannot afford the tribunal fees. Additionally, many employers are cooperating too. The new system is relieving the burden of tribunals and is helping to prevent claims from going all the way. 
This new, early conciliation is helping to resolve many workplace disputes without the need for claimants to go to an employment tribunal.