New strategy launched as workplace conflict rises

The new Acas strategy will help to support economic stability by reducing the cost of conflict – estimated to be £28.5 billion – through increased prevention, improved management, and earlier resolution of disputes. 

This builds on strong results from our previous strategy, which saw record levels of disputes resolved without the need for a tribunal.

This comes as we experience increased demand for our services and ahead of major new employment law reforms. 

• New Acas-commissioned YouGov polling of over 1,000 employees in Great Britain finds that 44% of workers who knew of conflict in their organisation over the last 3 years said it has increased, compared to just 13% who say it has decreased.
• The same survey reveals that pay, working patterns, and capability and performance are now among the top causes of workplace conflict.
• Latest figures show we handled 117,000 individual disputes in 2024-25, the highest number since the covid-19 pandemic. 

The Employment Rights Bill will introduce significant changes to employment law as part of the government’s plan to Make Work Pay. 

The new Acas strategy will:

• prevent more disputes before they arise by targeting industries and groups where conflict is most likely
• support employers to manage conflict well with clear guidance, tools and training offers
• equip workers and employers with the skills and confidence to resolve problems earlier, including doubling the number of SMEs Acas is equipping to manage conflict well
• harness technology and data more effectively to focus Acas’s efforts where they can have the greatest impact
• drive innovation in dispute resolution, maintaining Acas’s record settlement rates (70% for individual disputes and 90% for collective disputes) while exploring the use of AI and new digital services to make support faster and more accessible

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. Over our last Strategy period of 2021-25 Acas successfully changed the ways in which we work. This strategy sets out how Acas will contribute even further to improve British workplace relations. 

“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. Working together, we can deliver lasting improvements to working life and contribute to Britain’s future economic growth.”

Employment rights minister, Justin Madders MP said: “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.”