Employer not responding to ACAS

[Frustrated_Bloke]

Hi, I recently contacted ACAS, to try to negotiate a settlement with my former employer. I'm quite far through the process, in that I've had s preliminary hearing, and I'm waiting on a date for a final hearing. They don't seem to want to respond to ACAS though. I spoke to the chap from ACAS yesterday, and he told me he's spoken to them once, to give them my initial proposal, and he's also left them two voicemails, and he's had no response. He first contacted them about 3 weeks ago now. It seems to me the decent thing would be to at least let him know where they stand on the whole idea. Does anyone have any idea if it usually takes employers this long to reply to ACAS? Obviously, I'm keen to get this settled sooner rather than later, and I can't help but think they are being unhelpful in their refusal to respond, if not downright rude, to both myself, and the chap from ACAS.

[mariefab]

Re: Employer not responding to ACAS

Although it would be good manners to respond to ACAS; they're not obliged to do so.

[Frustrated_Bloke]

Re: Employer not responding to ACAS

Thanks Marie. I can't see why they would want to ignore him, I'm trying to save both parties time and money. It seems to be deliberately obstinate to me.

[Frustrated_Bloke]

Re: Employer not responding to ACAS

Sorry Marie, I think I may have accidentally reported your post! I was trying to reply to this message, on my phone. Apologies if that is the case,I never meant it, moderators!

What I was trying to say was that my work have offered me a sum to settle. I have went back to them with a counter offer, all though ACAS. Am I right in thinking I will still be able to accept their offer even if they reject my counter offer! It wasn't a million miles away from what they offered me.

[charitynjw]

Re: Employer not responding to ACAS

Just to clarify, is the ACAS mediation via an ET procedure?

[Frustrated_Bloke]

Re: Employer not responding to ACAS

Hi, sorry for the late reply. An agreement has been reached between my employer and I. I have yet to receive the agreement on paper, but I have had word from ACAS that they have agreed to my settlement offer, or I have agreed to theirs, whichever way you want to look at it.

I assume there is no way for them to back out of this agreement now? I expect to receive a contract to sign today or tomorrow, but that should be a formality, right?

Thanks

[mariefab]

Re: Employer not responding to ACAS

A verbal acceptance of an ACAS negotiated settlement offer is legally binding, so you don't need to worry about them backing out.

You'll be sent a copy of the COT3 to sign.
Check it carefully.