BBK Manifesto: Oblige ACAS to notify workers of the civil claims route

Workplace experts ACAS should be made to inform employees of all the legal avenues available to them, including civil claims, when they’re contacted for advice, BBK says.

ACAS is a non-departmental public body of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) that provides advice on employment-related matters. Most of its funding is provided by the DBT.

Currently, ACAS advises employees who have faced bullying and harassment at work on internal grievance procedures, as well as employment tribunal claims.

Broadening its advice to include information about civil claims is important as there are different time limits for bringing a claim in the civil courts, which are often more generous to employees.

Civil claims can also take into account consequential losses suffered by an individual, which can warrant further compensation. Finally, the funding options available for civil claims are much wider, which supports improved access to justice for those who have suffered harm in the workplace.

By making it ACAS policy to inform employees of all their legal options, ACAS can provide better support, giving people a better chance of rebuilding their lives.

This blog is part of our #ChampioningChange Campaign, specifically, Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP’s 2024 Manifesto for Injured People. In this campaign we call for politicians and candidates to prioritise injured people as they go into the 2024 General Election. This work is informed by our clients’ experiences and our partnerships with charities which support our clients and others like them. If you would like to read more about our full manifesto you can do so here.