How to Approach Disputes With Employers

People face all sorts of issues with their employers. If they are simply mean then there is not much that can be done about it. But, if the employer has not paid you your wages, has discriminated against you, or has dismissed you for wrong reasons there are certain steps that can and should be taken.

The most important thing to bear in mind is a time restraint to make a claim to the Employment Tribunal. There are only three months to sue employers at the Employment Tribunal.Although, in some cases it can be six months. It is for a judge to decide whether a claim has been made early enough.  In the meantime other steps can be taken to solve a dispute such as counciliation offered by ACAS.

Councilliation is an informal process in which both parties to a dispute should take part for it to work. It is voluntary, however, so sometimes a trial at the Employment Tribunal will be unavoidable. Basically, counciliation is based on a help of an independent councilliator who encourages both parties to come to an agreement without going to a court.

Although, after beeing treated unfairly one may not wish to contact his employer again, it is a legal requirement to take part in this process. But, either of the parties can resign at any time.

Additionally, this proces can be very advantageous as you are in control of the process while at the tribunal you rely on a judgment. Besides, this process is free and can be conducted over the phone which also saves time and travelling expenses which are not refundable in case of trials at the Employment Tribunal. This process is also very confidential as the public cannot take part in it, as opposed to the Employment Tribunal.

What's the most important is that councilliation allows you to preserve your relations with your employer, if you still work for the employer. In such situations it is certainly better than trial at the Employment Tribunal.

Sources: http://www.acas.org.uk/media/pdf/o/g/Conciliation-Explained-Acas.pdf
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