According to Acas, it has stopped 8,988 workplace grievances becoming claims, saving employers a total of £46.7m.
Of the 12,394 early conciliation cases completed at Acas so far, just 3,406 have ended up as tribunal claims, the arbitration body said.
Employers using early conciliation can also save on "hidden costs" associated with tribunal claims, such as stress and time dealing with cases, Acas said.
On average managers spend nine days on paperwork once a claim reaches court, compared with one day resolving the dispute through Acas.
Now this is welcome news. But why go to Acas?
Surely it is not better to try to resolve disputes internally rather than have to rely on external experts, namely Acas?
What organisations need to do is to focus on the benefits of having an effective conflict resolution system. The benefits include:
Saving costs on handling disputes
- Minimising the number and frequency of disputes
- Resolving disputes quicker
- Providing an outlet for disputants to discuss frustrations
- Avoiding bitter disputes by nipping them in the bud
- Developing processes that are flexible enough to handle a range of dispute types in an appropriate manner
The approach needs to involve consideration of the following:
- Analysing organistional needs
- Designing appropriate Dispute Resolution methods such as prevention, negotiation, mediation, and Early Neutral Evaluation
- Considering a range of methods of settlement
- Establishing pilot projects and training with particular emphasis on line managers
- Direct analysis to check methods are working
Justin Patten
Mediator