An Acas certificate does not decide whether the claim is strong or weak. Settlement can continue, but negotiation must run alongside the ET1 deadline rather than replacing it.
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.
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.
We help you reassess the evidence and value, prepare a reasoned opening position, and coordinate offers and counter-offers. We keep the ET1 timing visible and explain when the gap may no longer justify continued negotiation, so you can decide the next step.
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.
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.
No. The certificate records that early conciliation ended; it is not a judgment on the claim.
Often the safest course is to protect the deadline, but the right timing depends on the certificate and problem dates. Negotiations do not excuse a late claim.
Yes. Acas can conciliate up to and during tribunal proceedings until judgment.
ProHearings is not a firm of solicitors and does not hold itself out as the relevant independent adviser. Where the statutory conditions require qualified independent advice, we will refer that step.
No. The ProHearings fee is fixed and agreed before work begins.