Acas's staff are employment relations experts. Their job is to help people work together effectively. This ranges from setting up the right structures and systems to finding a way of settling disputes when things go wrong. You may have read or heard in the media about the big disputes when ACAS try to bring the different sides together. But in fact nowadays more time is spent advising on how to avoid disputes through good practice and dealing with individual cases.

Getting it right before the words 'problem' or 'dispute' are even mentioned is much more productive and cost effective than trying to save the day when relationships have broken down. Acas has a wealth of experience working with employers, employees, trade unions and other representatives for more than 25 years which is why they know that working together in partnership is the best way forward for a lasting solution. They help people get that partnership going.

Here are four ways Acas can make a big difference to your working life:

ACAS have a network of telephone helplines giving free help and information to anyone with a work problem on their mind. Operators currently deal with over 760,000 calls a year on a whole range of employment issues from people's rights in the workplace to employment aspects of current events such as the foot and mouth outbreak. ACAS research show they have a great many satisfied customers. If their helpline staff believe you need one of their other services they will make the link for you. You may also find one of their extensive range of publications useful most are featured on the Acas website.

Last year ACAS were able to help resolve or make significant progress in 93 per cent of the disputes where they were called in. Many disputes between employers and unions or other employee representatives focus on one issue like pay but an effective solution has to deal with much wider issues such as communication.

Last year ACAS were asked to help in 394 cases about union recognition and in 70 per cent voluntary recognition was achieved a good basis for a constructive partnership.

Nowadays ACAS focus more and more on promoting good practice. Their Advisory Service works with hundreds of companies every year to develop a joint approach to problem solving dealing with the underlying issues at the earliest possible stage.

Over 100,000 people a year make a complaint to an employment tribunal. Before going to the hearing most cases are referred to ACAS to see if there is a less damaging and expensive way of sorting the problem out. On average 71 per cent of cases go no further but are resolved at the ACAS stage. For straightforward unfair dismissal cases among those 29 per cent where they cannot find a way forward, they have started a new scheme giving people the choice of confidential arbitration instead of a tribunal.

In addition to their Advisory Service they run many workshops and seminars throughout England, Scotland and Wales. The topics include basic employment issues and the latest developments in legislation as well as ones of special relevance in your area. Most events are particularly targeted at small businesses without specialist personnel sections. The events section on this site gives more details.

By the way, if you are still wondering what Acas stands for it is Advisory, Consultation and Arbitration Service.

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