When can I ask ACAS to extend the Early Conciliation period?

You can request an extension if the initial conciliation period is ending but the parties are making progress and need more time to reach a settlement. Both parties must agree to the extension, and ACAS must be satisfied that a settlement is possible. The extension is limited to a maximum of 14 days under the relevant regulations.

Is the extension of the Early Conciliation period automatic?

No, the extension is not automatic. Both the prospective claimant and respondent must agree to the extension. Additionally, ACAS must be satisfied that settlement is possible. You must confirm the extension in writing to ACAS; a verbal agreement is insufficient to secure the extended period.

What happens to the limitation period during an extension?

While Early Conciliation is ongoing, the limitation period for bringing a claim is paused, often described as 'stopping the clock'. However, once the EC Certificate is issued, the limitation period starts running again immediately. You should not issue tribunal proceedings during the extension period, as this may be considered premature and could result in the claim being struck out.

When should I avoid requesting an extension of the EC period?

You should not use an extension if the Early Conciliation process has already ended with an EC Certificate, if the parties are not genuinely engaged in conciliation, or if the prospective respondent has refused to engage. Extensions should not be used merely to delay issuing proceedings or to conduct unrelated negotiations; they are intended for active settlement discussions.

What details should be included in the extension request letter?

The letter should state that the parties are actively engaged in settlement discussions and have made real progress. It should specify the request for a 14-day extension under Rule 7 of the 2014 Regulations, confirm the other party's consent, and outline the specific outstanding matters to be resolved during the extended period to demonstrate that settlement is possible.

← All Templates

Employment

Employment Law

Updated 2026-05-17

ACAS Early Conciliation — Request for Extension of EC Period

Letter requesting an extension of the ACAS Early Conciliation clock-stop period where conciliation is ongoing and more time is needed.

This template was not drafted by a solicitor.

It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.

When to use this template

Use this letter when ACAS Early Conciliation is underway and the initial conciliation period (up to six weeks) is coming to an end, but the parties are making progress and require additional time to reach a settlement. Both parties must agree to an extension of up to 14 days.

When NOT to use this template

Do not use if the EC process has already ended with an EC Certificate — the limitation period will then run from the date of the certificate. Do not use if the parties are not genuinely engaged in conciliation — an extension should not be used merely to delay issuing proceedings. Do not use if the prospective respondent has refused to engage.

Legal Basis

Employment Tribunals Act 1996 s.18A (requirement to notify ACAS before making an Employment Tribunal claim); Employment Tribunals (Early Conciliation: Exemptions and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2014; ACAS may extend the conciliation period by up to 14 days where both parties consent and it appears settlement is possible (r.7 of the 2014 Regulations). The limitation period is paused ('stopped the clock') while EC is ongoing.

Before you send

Assuming the extension is automatic — both parties must agree and ACAS must be satisfied settlement is possible
Losing track of the limitation period — once the EC Certificate is issued, time starts running again immediately
Using an extension to conduct unrelated negotiations — extension should be used only where a specific settlement proposal is under active discussion

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✗Assuming the extension is automatic — both parties must agree and ACAS must be satisfied settlement is possible
✗Losing track of the limitation period — once the EC Certificate is issued, time starts running again immediately
✗Using an extension to conduct unrelated negotiations — extension should be used only where a specific settlement proposal is under active discussion
✗Not confirming the extension in writing to ACAS — verbal agreement is insufficient
✗Issuing tribunal proceedings during the extension period — doing so will be premature and may be struck out

Build Your Letter

Fill in your details

Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.

Your full name / firm name*

Your address*

Your email address*

Date of letter*

ACAS EC reference number*

Prospective claimant's full name*

Prospective respondent's name*

Party making this request (claimant / respondent)*

Date EC period commenced*

Current expiry date of EC period*

Progress made in conciliation*

Proposed extended expiry date (14 days from current expiry)*

Respondent's consent to extension (if known)*

Matters to be resolved during extension*

Letter preview

[YOUR FULL NAME / FIRM NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

[DATE OF LETTER]

ACAS Early Conciliation Team
Acas National
Euston Tower
286 Euston Road
London NW1 3JJ

---

Dear Sir or Madam,

**Request for Extension of Early Conciliation Period**
**ACAS EC Reference: [ACAS EC REFERENCE NUMBER]**
**Prospective Claimant: [PROSPECTIVE CLAIMANT'S FULL NAME]**
**Prospective Respondent: [PROSPECTIVE RESPONDENT'S NAME]**

I am writing on behalf of [PARTY MAKING THIS REQUEST (CLAIMANT / RESPONDENT)] in the above Early Conciliation matter.

The initial conciliation period commenced on **[DATE EC PERIOD COMMENCED]** and is currently due to expire on **[CURRENT EXPIRY DATE OF EC PERIOD]**.

**Reason for Extension Request**

The parties are actively engaged in settlement discussions and real progress has been made. In particular: [PROGRESS MADE IN CONCILIATION].

We believe that with a further period of conciliation, a settlement can be reached without the need for employment tribunal proceedings, saving both parties and the Tribunal time and expense.

**Request**

We respectfully request that ACAS exercise its discretion under Rule 7 of the Employment Tribunals (Early Conciliation: Exemptions and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2014 to extend the conciliation period by a further **14 days**, to expire on **[PROPOSED EXTENDED EXPIRY DATE (14 DAYS FROM CURRENT EXPIRY)]**.

[RESPONDENT'S CONSENT TO EXTENSION (IF KNOWN)]

**Next Steps**

During the extended period, the parties will focus on resolving the following outstanding matters: [MATTERS TO BE RESOLVED DURING EXTENSION].

Please confirm whether ACAS is able to grant this extension. We are available to discuss this with the conciliation officer by telephone at short notice.

Yours faithfully,

[YOUR FULL NAME / FIRM NAME]

Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.

Related Rights

Employment Rights

Official Resources

ACAS — Early Conciliation →Employment Tribunals Act 1996 s.18A →EC Regulations 2014 — Legislation.gov.uk →

Frequently asked questions

When can I ask ACAS to extend the Early Conciliation period?: You can request an extension if the initial conciliation period is ending but the parties are making progress and need more time to reach a settlement. Both parties must agree to the extension, and ACAS must be satisfied that a settlement is possible. The extension is limited to a maximum of 14 days under the relevant regulations.
Is the extension of the Early Conciliation period automatic?: No, the extension is not automatic. Both the prospective claimant and respondent must agree to the extension. Additionally, ACAS must be satisfied that settlement is possible. You must confirm the extension in writing to ACAS; a verbal agreement is insufficient to secure the extended period.
What happens to the limitation period during an extension?: While Early Conciliation is ongoing, the limitation period for bringing a claim is paused, often described as 'stopping the clock'. However, once the EC Certificate is issued, the limitation period starts running again immediately. You should not issue tribunal proceedings during the extension period, as this may be considered premature and could result in the claim being struck out.
When should I avoid requesting an extension of the EC period?: You should not use an extension if the Early Conciliation process has already ended with an EC Certificate, if the parties are not genuinely engaged in conciliation, or if the prospective respondent has refused to engage. Extensions should not be used merely to delay issuing proceedings or to conduct unrelated negotiations; they are intended for active settlement discussions.
What details should be included in the extension request letter?: The letter should state that the parties are actively engaged in settlement discussions and have made real progress. It should specify the request for a 14-day extension under Rule 7 of the 2014 Regulations, confirm the other party's consent, and outline the specific outstanding matters to be resolved during the extended period to demonstrate that settlement is possible.