Research papers
Acas' Research and Evaluation Section undertakes and commissions a range of in-depth research projects, findings from which are captured in our research papers series. These papers comprise both evaluations of Acas services and reports which contribute to wider employment relations debates. In addition to the pdfs below, hard copies of many research papers may also be ordered for free from our publication section on the website.
Research papers 2010
 An Integrated Evaluation of Acas Workplace Projects [761kb]
Ref: 01/10
Authors: Andrea Broughton, Daniel Pearmain and Annette Cox (Institute for Employment Studies)
Acas 'Workplace Projects' (renamed as 'Business and Skills Solutions' in 2008/09) are carried out in organisations throughout England, Wales and Scotland by Acas Advisers. Their purpose is to improve employment relations within workplaces by involving employers and employee representatives in joint problem solving and joint working. This report integrates the findings from the most recent qualitative and quantitative research on the impact of Workplace Projects/ Business and Skills Solutions.
Research papers 2009
The Employment of Migrant Labour in the East Midlands [223kb]
Ref: 04/09
Authors: Alan Tuckman and Lynette Harris (Nottingham Business School)
The second of two new research studies on employer use of migrant labour - this shorter paper is based on interviews at three case study companies in the East Midlands. It considers the impact that employment of migrant workers has had on human resources and employers' practices at this significant destination for migrant workers from the EU Accession States.
Employer use of migrant labour -motivations, experiences and HR responses [454kb]
Ref: 03/09
Author: Sonia McKay (Working Lives Research Institute)
The first of two new research studies on the employment of migrant labour - this report was based on interviews with a range of managers at six case study companies in the hotel and catering and construction sectors. It investigates the procedural and employment relations challenges surrounding the employment of migrant labour, with a particular focus on whether HR policies and practices influence the employment of migrant workers; and also whether their use has a subsequent impact on HR arrangements
Pre-Claim Conciliation pilot – Evaluation summary report [257kb]
Ref: 02/09
Authors: Ann Denvir, Siobhán O'Regan, Matthew Williams, Annette Cox, Daniel Pearmain and Hülya Hooker (The Institute for Employment Studies)
The Acas Pre-Claim Conciliation Service (PCC) aims to identify workplace disputes between employers and employees which may become employment tribunal claims and resolve them effectively before they enter the tribunal system. The findings of this evaluation show cost and time savings to both employers and employees involved in this pilot and a net financial benefit to the taxpayer. Employers, employees and their representatives report high levels of satisfaction with case outcomes and with the Acas PCC service during the pilot.
Management handling of sexual orientation, religion and belief in the workplace [461kb]
(Ref: 01/09)
Authors: Sarah Dickens, Martin Mitchell and Chris Creegan (NatCen).
A new research study draws directly on employers' experiences of managing sexual orientation, religion and belief at work. Joint-funded by Acas and the CIPD, the research explores experience of SORB issues among employers and managers; the challenges they face; examples of good practice; and the generation of solutions. This practical-minded research report sets out creative new solutions and strategies for handling these key aspects of employing people in the workplace.
Acas-sponsored reports on the impact of the Information and Consultation Directive
Acas commissioned research in collaboration with BIS and the CIPD on the impact of the Information and Consultation Directive. The research, carried out by Warwick University, involved a series of case studies in small, medium sized and larger workplaces. Companies were visited across a period of three years in order to explore progress on consultation arrangements.
Click to download the four reports that have been published so far from the BIS website (all open in new windows).
Research papers 2008
Service users perceptions of Acas’ conciliation in Employment Tribunal cases 2007 [450kb]
(Ref: 07/08)
Authors: Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS)
Independently written by TNS Social Research, this report presents findings from the 2007 survey of customers of the Acas Individual Conciliation Service, and also compares key differences in customers' views between 2005 and 2007. The results from the survey are positive and highlight the value of Acas involvement in Employment Tribunal cases.
Accompaniment and representation in workplace discipline and grievance [577kb]
(Ref: 06/08)
Authors: Richard Saundry, Valerie Antcilff and Carol Jones (University of Central Lancashire)
This report describes the findings of a pilot study which explored the impact of the accompaniment and representation of employees within disciplinary and grievance processes. The research focussed on eight case studies of employing organisations and was carried out in April and May 2008. Interviews were conducted with Human Resource managers, operational managers, trade union representatives and employee companions.
Acas conciliation in collective employment disputes [985kb]
(Ref: 05/08)
Authors: Alex Dawe and Fiona Neathey (Acas Research and Evaluation Section)
This report provides a wide-ranging evaluation of the conciliation service provided by Acas in collective employment disputes. It draws particularly on research conducted over the 2006–7 period, together with research from previous academic studies to provide an overview of the nature and outcomes of Acas work in this area.
Acas workplace training impact survey 2008 [4Mb]
(Ref: 04/08)
Authors: Jonny Gifford, Emanuela Carta and Annette Cox (The Institute for Employment Studies)
Acas regularly evaluates customer attitudes towards its training provision, however, in the case of its bespoke Workplace Training service, this has previously been limited to collecting immediate feedback from trainees. This report describes the findings of the first ever survey to assess the medium- to long-term organisational effects of the service. By interviewing main commissioning clients, 3-15 months post-intervention, the survey evaluated the impacts of Workplace Training on its customers, particularly with regard to the promotion of effective employment relations, providing a rich source of new information.
Conflict at work: The pattern of disputes in Britain since 1980 [949kb]
(Ref: 03/08)
Authors: Gill Dix (Acas), John Forth (NIESR) and Keith Sission (University of Warwick)
This paper investigates the scale and causes of the decline in collective expressions of conflict and the concurrent growth in the individualised expression of conflict in the part quarter century in Britain. It also draws upon a wider range of indicators and sources to investigate changes in the overall level of workplace discontent and the role of workplace institutions.
Knowledge and use of mediation in SMEs [145kb]
(Ref: 02/08)
Author: Tim Johnston (Acas Research and Evaluation Section)
Following on from the recommendations from Gibbons for an increased use of mediation, Acas commissioned research to look at the level of knowledge and use of mediation within Small and Medium Enterprises. This report presents the results of telephone interviews with the decision maker of 500 SMEs.
Small firms and workplace disputes resolution [469kb]
(Ref: 01/08)
Prepared by: Lynette Harris, Alan Tuckman and Jereme Snook (Nottingham Trent University) and Stephanie Tailby, Sue Hutchinson and Janet Winters (University of the West of England)
Research concerning the experiences and views of managers in SMEs regarding methods for dispute resolution. The study was carried out by a collaborative team from Nottingham Trent University and University of West of England. The report is especially relevant as Acas turns it attention to the recommendations stemming from the 2007 Gibbons Review of Dispute Resolution.
Research papers 2007
NIESR Economic Impact of Acas Report [445kb]
(NIESR/07)
Author: Pamela Meadows (National Institute of Economic & Social Research)
Research exploring Acas' six principal service areas and producing an overall cost benefit estimate of its contribution to the economy. It shows that for every pound spent by Acas, over £16 is returned, generating benefits worth almost £800 million a year across UK businesses, employees and the economy.
Race discrimination claims: Unrepresented claimants' and employers' views on Acas' conciliation in employment tribunal cases [597kb]
(Ref: 04/07)
Author: Maria Hudson, Helen Barnes, Sheere Brooks and Rebecca Taylor (Policy Studies Institute)
This research explores the experiences and views of unrepresented employees and employers engaging in race discrimination claims, carried out in February and March 2007 from claims that had been closed in 2006. In depth interviews were carried out with 30 claimants and 10 employers. The findings provide a rich source of information to inform decisions on policy, practices and priorities.
Acas Helpline survey 2007 [289kb] (Ref: 03/07)
Author: Hülya Hooker, Thomas Usher and Dilys Robinson (The Institute for Employment Studies)
This survey was carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies with employers, employees and third parties who had used the Acas national helpline.
The Experiences of Sexual Orientation and Religion or Belief Discrimination Employment Tribunal Claimants [944kb] (Ref: 02/07)
Author: Ann Denvir, Andrea Broughton, Jonny Gifford and Darcy Hill (IES)
A report on a qualitative study on the subject.
Sexual orientation and religion or belief discrimination in the workplace [645kb] (Ref: 01/07)
Author: Ben Savage (Acas Research and Evaluation Section)
A report on research findings regarding the impacts of the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003.
Research papers 2006
Acas training services 2005-6 - National evaluation [458kb] (Ref: 05/06)
Author: Alex Dawe (Acas Research and Evaluation Section)
Acas reviews attitudes to its services through regular customer surveys. This paper covers user perceptions of Acas training services, providing analysis of several surveys of delegates on open access events, workplace training and e-learning in 2005/6.
The impact of age discrimination legislation on small and medium-sized enterprises [245kb] (Ref: 04/06)
Author: Fiona Neathey (Acas Research and Evaluation Section)
A report on research conducted in November 2006 exploring the awareness of age discrimination regulations amongst small and medium employers.
The Experience of Ethnic Minority Workers in the Hotel and Catering Industry: Routes to Support and Advice on Workplace Problems [337kb] (Ref: 03/06)
Author: Tessa Wright and Anna Pollert (Working Lives Research Institute, London Metropolitan University)
A report on a qualitative research project funded by the European Social Fund and Acas. It uses in-depth interviews to provides evidence of the conditions faced by this vulnerable group of workers – an area hitherto relatively neglected by research.
A regional perspective on employment relations - tabulations from the 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey [1Mb] (Ref: 02/06)
Author: John Forth and Lucy Stokes, NIESR report to Acas
A statistical report presenting new evidence on the nature and practice of regional employment relations. The 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS 2004) is widely regarded as the most authoritative source of quantitative evidence on employment relations in Britain.
Service user perceptions of Acas' conciliation in Employment Tribunal cases 2005 [161kb] (Ref: 01/06vv)
Author: Acas Research and Evaluation Section and Ipsos Mori
Acas reviews attitudes to its services through its regular customer surveys. This paper summarises key findings of research into the perceptions of service users.
Research papers 2005
Acas National Training Programme - Delegate Feedback [1Mb] (Ref: 08/05)
Author: Acas Research and Evaluation and Accent
This report analyses the findings of a survey of delegates attending Acas training in 2004-2005.
Gender differences in enforcing employment rights [1006kb] (Ref: 07/05)
Author: Margaret Fox
While the vast majority of sex discrimination and equal pay applications are made by women, they only represent a small minority of claims to employment tribunals. This paper looks at the gender distribution of applications to employment tribunals and case outcomes.
Acas in the NHS: Helping improve employment relations in response to 'Agenda for Change' [1Mb] (Ref: 06/05)
Author: Mark Stuart (University of Leeds) and Miguel Martinez Lucio (University of Bradford) and Acas Research and Evaluation Section
Research on the challenges facing five NHS Trusts resulting from Trust mergers and the implementation of the 'Agenda for Change' pay modernisation programme. It evaluates the impact of Acas interventions aimed at improving Trusts' consultative structures and building their capacity to manage change. See also: Acas in NHS Research Summary [43kb]
Evaluation of the Acas Pilot of Mediation, Appeals and Employment Law Visit Services to Small Firms [602kb] (Ref: 05/05)
Author: Margaret Fox, Acas Research and Evaluation Section
A report on the evaluation of the Acas Mediation Pilot, which provided free services to businesses with fewer than fifty employees.
The Acas small firms mediation pilot [1Mb] (Ref: 04/05)
Author: John Seargeant
A report on findings from an in-depth study of parties taking up mediation services under the Acas Mediation Pilot, which provided free services to businesses with fewer than fifty employees.
The role of Acas in trade union recognition claims under the Employment Relations Act 1999 [999kb] (Ref: 03/05)
Author: Sonia McKay and Sian Moore (Working Lives Research Institute) and Acas Research and Evaluation Section
A study examining the role and impact of Acas following the introduction of the Employment Relations Act 1999. It describes the perceptions and strategies of employers and trade unions at key stages of voluntary and statutory processes. See also: Acas Recognition Research Summary [37kb]
Acas Telephone Helpline: Findings from the 2005 Customer Survey [617kb] (Ref: 02/05)
Author: Acas Research and Evaluation Section and IFF
This report sets out the key findings from a survey of Helpline customers conducted in 2005.
The United Kingdom Recalibrates the U.S. National Labor Relations Act: Possible Lessons for the United States? [632kb] (Ref: 01/05)
Author: Nancy Peters
A paper comparing UK recognition procedures under the Employment Relations Act 1999 with procedures under the US National Labor Relations Act, which examines the extent to which UK statutory provisions may have improved the operation of the NLRA recognition model.
Research papers 2004
Pregnancy at Work: Research to explore experiences of employers in small firms [170kb] (Ref 07/04)
Author: Cragg Ross Dawson
A study considering the employers' attitudes towards pregnancy and women of child-bearing age, and their experiences of issues such as costs, health and safety, rights and obligations, and access to information.
Individual Conciliation: Findings from the 2004 Customer Survey [46kb] (Ref 06/04)
Author: BMRB
A summary presenting key findings of research among customers involved in applications to employment tribunals in 2004 who took part in individual conciliation.
Timing of contact in wages protection and breach of contract cases - Scottish project [105kb] (Ref 05/04)
Author: Margaret Fox
A paper on the findings of a Scottish experiment on a new approach to wages protection and breach of contract cases. It provides an analysis of the outcomes and durations of cases and feedback from a survey of the parties and representatives involved.
Acas Telephone Helpline: Findings from the 2004 Customer Survey [42kb] (Ref 04/04)
Author: Acas Research and Evaluation Section and BMRB Social Research
A report setting out the key findings from a survey of helpline customers conducted in 2004.
The Acas Arbitration Scheme: An evaluation of parties' views [146kb] (Ref 03/04)
Author: DVL Smith Research Ltd
A paper on the experiences of people who have used the Acas Arbitration Scheme as an alternative to an employment tribunal, considering issues such as take up, formality of process, speed of resolution, costs and the right of appeal.
Ethnic minority small businesses qualitative research report [303kb] (Ref 02/04)
Author: Turnstone Research and Consultancy Ltd
An interview-based report on the attitudes of ethnic minority small businesses towards employment relationships.
Coming to the table: the role of Acas in collective disputes and improving workplace relationships [118kb] (Ref 01/04)
Author: Gill Dix and Sarah Oxenbridge
Using quantitative and qualitative evaluation data, this report highlights customers' perceptions of Acas interventions, and examines Acas' role in helping employers and employees to develop strategies for handling conflict and improving workplace effectiveness.
Research papers 2003
Conciliating in Unfair Dismissal Employment Tribunal Applications [146kb] (Ref 05/03)
Author: ORC International and Acas Research and Evaluation
Based on an experiment to examine changes in the management of unfair dismissal employment tribunal caseloads, this research assesses the impact of making contact with parties immediately upon receipt of a respondent's application, compared to waiting to receive an employer's response.
Acas User Feedback Report 2003 Helpline [158kb] (Ref 04/03)
Author: BMRB Social Research
A report on the findings of the 2003 survey of callers to the Acas National Helpline, considering areas such as customer satisfaction, call content, caller characteristics, and action taken following the call.
Information and consultation at work: from challenges to good practice [487kb] (Ref 03/03)
Author: Gill Dix and Sarah Oxenbridge
Drawing on data from interviews with Acas staff and organisations, this paper captures many of the 'best practices' used to improve workplace consultation and communication. It also highlights the challenges to, and benefits of, developing effective information and consultation practices.
Public Sector Disputes and Third Party Intervention [323kb] (Ref 02/03)
Author: Susan Corby
A report on the different methods used by third parties to resolve workplace disputes, comparing disputes and their resolution in the public and private sectors.
Resolving collective disputes at work: User perspectives of Acas collective conciliation services [354kb] (Ref 01/03)
Author: Donna Molloy, Robin Legard & Jane Lewis
A study of parties' experiences of the Acas collective conciliation service, highlighting the methods used in assisting the parties to settle disputes. It also considers perceptions of the role of conciliators and longer-term benefits of the use of conciliation.
Earlier papers
Operating with Style [263kb]
Author: Gill Dix
An issue of particular importance in bringing about an out-of-court settlement in a dispute is the mediation techniques used to resolve the situation. This paper is a systematic account of the operating styles of Acas conciliators based upon interviews with the conciliation parties.
Work and Employment Relations in Kent [130kb]
Author: Geoff White, Jan Druker and Mike Edmunds
This report details the results of a survey of employment practices and policies at workplaces in Kent. The survey was conducted in the summer of 2001 and was carried out by the University of Greenwich Business School with financial support from Acas South Eastern Area.
Acas Individual Conciliation 1998 (RP01)
Author: Jane Lewis and Robin Legard (Social and Community Planning Research)
This report gives a detailed account of what applicants, respondent s and their representatives want from conciliation, how they see the process and how satisfied they are with the service they receive. This paper is not available to download. Hard copies are available from our publication section of the website
An Evaluation of Homeworking in Acas (RP02)
Author: Ursula Huws, Siobhan O'Regan and Sheila Honey (Institute for Employment Studies)
A report on the experiences of Acas home workers, of particular interest to those who would like to initiate or develop a homeworking strategy and those assessing the impact of existing homeworking arrangements. This paper is not available to download. Hard copies are available from our publication section of the website.
Employment relations in Britain: 25 years of Acas (MP01)
Author: BrianTowers and William Brown (Eds.)
A collection of papers written by a range of experts in employment relations, commissioned to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Acas, covering its past work and future challenges. This paper is not available to download. Hard copies are available from our publication section of the website.
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