The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) is a non-departmental body of the Government of the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1975 to foster industrial relations and improve employee working conditions. ACAS involves employers and employees in an effort to resolve disputes though conciliation. ACAS also works with employees to increase productivity levels and provides up-to-date information on employment legislation through its helpline.

ACAS is publicly funded, a fact that allows it to remain independent and impartial in its dealings. Though often confused with a trade union, ACAS functions more in the role of an impartial arbitrator helping parties to arrive at mutually acceptable solutions. ACAS is governed by a council of prominent names from business, academics and the independent sector. The organisation currently maintains 11 main regional centres throughout England, Scotland and Wales with a head office in London.

Some of the services offered by ACAS include:

E-Learning: ACAS offers information on issues such as discipline, absence rules, contracts and redundancy.

Training: ACAS arranges training sessions on various employee related issues.

Publications: ACAS publishes booklets and handbooks on topics such as writing employment contracts, employment legislation, leave entitlement, etc.

eManager: ACAS offers specialised software designed to maintain records of discipline and employee grievance cases, and provide data to help employers in making the right decisions.

Videos: ACAS also produces video clips about the various services that it offers for employers and employees.

The origin of ACAS can be traced back to 1896, in the form of a voluntary service offered by the government. Called Industrial Relations Services in 1960, it was named Conciliation and Advisory Service in 1972. In 1974, control of its affairs passed from the government to an independent council. In 1975, it was renamed the Advisory Conciliation and Advisory Service, or ACAS, as it is now known.

Find more information on ACAS UK at http://www.free-employer-advice.co.uk/