Protect the claim first
Once early conciliation ends, the certificate number is used for the ET1 and the final limitation calculation must be checked. If Acas was notified in time, there is normally at least one month from receipt of the certificate, but the precise date can be longer or otherwise complicated.
Settlement is still available
Acas conciliation can continue after an ET1 is filed and until judgment. The parties can also negotiate directly. Selected cases may be suitable for judicial mediation, and private mediation is possible where both parties agree.
What ProHearings does
We reassess the evidence and value, prepare a reasoned opening position, manage offers and counter-offers, protect the ET1 timing and explain when the gap no longer justifies continued negotiation.
COT3 or settlement agreement
A COT3 is recorded through Acas. A statutory settlement agreement made directly must meet legal conditions, including advice from a relevant independent adviser. ProHearings will identify when separate qualified independent advice is required and help you arrange it.
If it does not settle
The work should still leave you with a protected deadline, a clearer valuation and a reasoned view of the next stage. ET1 drafting, case preparation and hearing representation are separately scoped services.