Jessica O'ConnorAcas has unveiled a new five-year strategy to modernise how workplace disputes are handled across Britain, aiming to reduce the cost of conflict, through prevention, better management, and earlier resolution.
The strategy comes as Acas faces increased demand for its services, with 117,000 individual disputes handled in 2024–25, the highest number since the pandemic.
It also coincides with the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, which will introduce major reforms as part of the Government’s Make Work Pay agenda.
New polling commissioned by Acas found that 44% of employees who had witnessed workplace conflict in the past three years said it had increased, compared with just 13% who reported a decrease.
Pay, working patterns, and performance issues were identified as the leading causes of disputes.
The new strategy sets out plans to prevent conflict by targeting high-risk sectors, improve guidance and training for employers, double the number of SMEs supported to manage disputes, and expand the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up resolution.
Acas will also seek to maintain its record settlement rates, which currently stand at 70% for individual disputes and 90% for collective disputes.
Clare Chapman, Acas chair, said: “The world of work is changing, and this is an ambitious strategy for a landmark period in Britain’s labour market history.
“We will do more to help prevent conflict arising. If conflict can’t be prevented, Acas will be there to help workplaces manage it by disagreeing well.
“And if conflict continues, Acas will help parties resolve disputes quickly and fairly.”
Niall Mackenzie, Acas chief executive, added: “Britain is a great place to work and grow a business; but we can do even better to ‘disagree agreeably’ in the workplace.
“Our strategy for the next five years will give employers and workers the skills and knowledge they need for the healthy employment relations that prevent conflict.
“By supporting employers and workers to build stronger relationships we will protect productivity, safeguard jobs, and strengthen the foundations for sustainable economic growth.”
Reaction:
Employment Rights Minister, Justin Madders MP:
“Strong workplace relationships are fundamental to the productive, stable employment that drives higher living standards.
“Acas’s new strategy will help prevent workplace disputes before they escalate and provide the skills and tools to resolve conflicts early. This comes as the Government is ensuring employment rights are fit for a modern economy and contributing to economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.”
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI chief executive:
“Acas has an important role to play in supporting the economic growth that is needed to drive up living standards and fund public services.
“Rising employment costs are already colliding with flatlining productivity, forcing firms to make tough trade-offs about jobs, pay and working conditions, putting a strain on the relationships between employers and workers.
“At the same time, the unintended consequences of the Employment Rights Bill will mean an increase in workplace disputes that need to be resolved.
“Acas has rightly identified that its impartial support and early intervention will be more critical than ever in helping employers and employees navigate these threats and unlock the potential of the UK workforce.”
Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary:
“With the Employment Rights Bill set to modernise industrial relations, this Acas strategy is welcome and timely – recognising the importance of good working relationships between unions and employers.”
