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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.

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Research papers 2013

Evaluating and Developing Acas Workplace Projects [939kb] Ref: 01/13
Ipsos MORI
This report presents the findings from a survey of 158 Acas Workplace Projects users for projects conducted from October 2010 - December 2011. These findings are supplemented with insights from four case studies of Workplace Projects and three workshops with HR professionals. Taken together, this research provides robust evidence for the impact of Acas Workplace Projects and presents an insight into customer views, particularly regarding the future of the service and how it can be improved.

Research papers 2012

Young people entering work: A review of the research [378kb] Ref: 18/12
Sarah Oxenbridge and Justine Evesson (Employment Research Australia)
A review of research examining young people's expectations of work, the challenges they face in starting work, and the means by which their transition to work may be improved. Undertaken in the context of high levels of youth unemployment in Britain in mid-2012, the review captures the perspectives of both young people and employers.
2011/12 Acas Collective Conciliation Evaluation [667kb] Ref: 17/12
Chris Hale, George Barrett and Andrew Bryce (Ecorys UK)
This report provides an evaluation of the conciliation service provided by Acas in collective employment disputes. The evaluation is based on a January 2012 telephone survey of 345 customers (employers and employee representatives) who used 'Collective Conciliation' between November 2010 - November 2011. The research measured and identified the determinants of successful outcomes and overall customer satisfaction as well as eliciting customers' views about the various impacts of the service.
Acas Individual Mediation 2011/12: Responses from participants and commissioners [261kb] Ref: 16/12
Acas Research & Evaluation Section
This paper reports findings from feedback questionnaires sent to participants in and commissioners of Acas' charged-for individual mediation service in 2011/12. The report covers issues relating to the background of the mediation, perceptions of the process itself and parties' satisfaction with the outcome reached.
Acas Helpline Evaluation 2011 - summary report [783kb] Ref: 15/12
Cat York and Sam Fettiplace (ORC International)
Findings from a survey carried out by ORC International of employers, employees and third parties who had called the Acas Helpline in 2011.
Why Pre-Claim Conciliation referrals become Employment Tribunal claims [878kb] Ref: 14/12
TNS BMRB
Research combining quantitative and qualitative methods to explore why Pre-Claim Conciliation (PCC) referrals become Employment Tribunal claims. Previous research has shown PCC to be successful (e.g. Ref: 02/09 below), but there until now there has been limited evidence on the substance of PCC referrals that do result in an Employment Tribunal claim.
Employment relations in SMEs: Day-to-day advice-seeking and the role of intermediaries [736kb] Ref: 13/12
Agnes Hann (Doctoral student, London School of Economics and Political Science)
This report presents the results of qualitative research carried out with small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners and managers on how they access information, advice and other types of support in order to prevent and resolve day-to-day employment relations challenges.
Mediation and Early Resolution - A Case Study in Conflict Management [406kb] Ref: 12/12
Richard Saundry and Gemma Wibberley (iROWE, Lancashire Business School)
The fourth in a series of case studies exploring innovative approaches to conflict management in the workplace. The focus here is a large private business in the service sector working across the UK and in particular, the organisation's use of mediation in handling individualised conflict. This follows earlier papers on conflict resolution strategies; two in the public sector and one in a private sector organisation (see Acas Research Papers 01/11, 05/12 and 08/12, below).
Downsizing envoys: A public/private sector comparison [278kb] Ref: 11/12
Dr Ian Ashman (Institute for Research into Organisation Work and Employment, University of Central Lancashire)
This report explores the experiences of public 'downsizing envoys' - employees that have been tasked with breaking the (generally bad) news to staff about their potential job loss. It focuses on experiences in the private sector and contains comparative evidence drawn from an earlier study conducted in a sample of public sector workplaces (see 03/12, below).
The Diffusion of 'Good' HR Practices Across the Supply Chain [409kb] Ref: 10/12
David Holman, Ryan Lamare, Damian Grimshaw, Lynn Holdsworth, & Mick Marchington (Manchester Business School, University of Manchester)
This report provides an exploration of why and how organisations might influence the diffusion of HR practices across supply chains using a case study approach. Increasing the use of high performance working practices in suppliers can contribute directly to organisational success and lead to higher employee well-being, but it is not without its challenges, as the report discusses.
Segmenting the SME Market and Implications for Service Provision - A Literature Review [353kb] Ref: 09/12
Professor Robert Blackburn (Kingston Business School, Kingston University London)
There are a number of ways in which the SME market can be segmented and defined, but which characteristics are most appropriate for an effective engagement strategy is questionable. This report reviews the evidence published in academic, government and practitioner literatures, with a view to contributing to a framework for the segmentation of the SME market for Acas. In so doing, it aims to feed into the development of an appropriate strategy for Acas to better serve the SME population via its good practice services and dispute resolution services.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation at Bradford MDC - A Case Study [260kb] Ref: 08/12
Richard Saundry (iROWE, Lancashire Business School)
Taking as its starting premise that we perhaps need to look beyond mediation alone as a means of developing increased 'conflict competence' within organisations, this report explores the case of an organisation - Bradford Metropolitan District Council (MDC) - that has introduced a range of approaches in order to try to reshape the way in which conflict is managed and disputes handled. This is the latest in a series of Acas research papers exploring innovative approaches to conflict management in the workplace (see also 05/12 and 01/11, below).
Public sector employers' attitudes to use of Acas collective conciliation [337kb] Ref: 07/12
Andrea Broughton and Annette Cox (IES)
This report presents the findings of a series of qualitative interviews with public sector managers aimed at understanding their experiences of, attitudes towards and approaches to collective dispute resolution. The research is an employer-focussed companion piece to three earlier, trade union-centred studies which have found that negotiators in the public sector are less likely to have used Acas collective conciliation than those in the private sector (see 09/11, 10/11 and 07/10, below).
Representation in Employment Tribunals: Analysis of the 2003 and 2008 SETA [750kb] Ref: 06/12
Franz Buscha (Westminster University) , Peter Urwin (Westminster University) and Paul L. Latreille (Swansea University)
This study reports the findings from an investigation of representation in employment tribunals, using the 2003 and 2008 Survey of Employment Tribunal Applications (SETA). The overall aim is to provide a comprehensive picture of representation in ET cases at the point of application (for claimant) and response (for employer), during the course of the claim, and at the point of any full hearing.
Managing Individual Conflict in the Private Sector - A Case Study [378kb] Ref: 05/12
Richard Saundry and Gemma Wibberley (iROWE, Lancashire Business School)
"Can managers develop ways in which the conditions that lead to formal disciplinary and grievance issues are either averted or remedied?" This report seeks to explore this question in greater detail by examining the ways in which a large UK retail organisation manages workplace conflict and seeks to resolve individual employment disputes. This report is one in a series of papers exploring innovative approaches to conflict management in the workplace.
Report of the Second Employment Tribunal/Acas pilot on attendance of Acas individual conciliators at Case Management Discussions [236kb] Ref: 04/12
Acas Research and Evaluation Section
Case Management Discussions (CMD) are conducted in more complex Employment Tribunal cases. This report covers the findings of the second pilot study Acas has undertaken with the ETS to explore the possibility that the attendance of an Acas conciliator at a CMD would increase the chances of case resolution. The second pilot took place in 2010 and aimed to build on the findings of the first study and to give a clear steer on whether there would be benefits in adopting this approach.
‘The nature of bad news infects the teller’: The experiences of envoys in the face to face delivery of downsizing initiatives in UK public sector organisations [288kb] Ref: 03/12
Dr Ian Ashman (Institute for Research into Organisation Work and Employment, University of Central Lancashire)
This report explores the experiences of those public sector employees that have been given the task of delivering the generally bad news of downsizing decisions face-to-face with the victims and then deal with the immediate repercussions. The aim of the research is to better understand the demands that being a 'downsizing envoy' places on individuals undertaking the role and, in particular, how the public sector context impacts upon those demands. 24 envoys were interviewed, drawn from nine public sector organisations operating in the North West of England.
Addressing discrimination in the workplace on multiple grounds - the experience of trade union Equality Reps [188kb] Ref: 02/12
Sian Moore, Tessa Wright and Hazel Conley (Working Lives Research Institute, London Metropolitan University and Queen Mary, University of London)
This report provides some insight into the complexities of dealing with multiple discrimination from the experiences of trade union Equality Reps, suggesting that multiple discrimination can be difficult to identify, and may include characteristics outside of the protected equality grounds. The existence of a 'glass ceiling' leads to combined discrimination of gender and age.
The experience of discrimination on multiple grounds [280kb] Ref: 01/12
Maria Hudson (Policy Studies Institute, University of Westminster)
This report explores the experiences of multiple discrimination of Employment Tribunals claimants and reviews some case reports from Citizens Advice Bureaux and considers the issues of multiple identities, the role of workplace culture and advice and support needs of people experiencing discrimination.

Research papers 2011

Looking Back to Move Forward - Assessing the Impacts of Acas Workplace Projects [777kb] Ref: 15/11
Jon Cooper (Acas)
Acas workplace projects are carried out in organisations throughout England, Wales and Scotland by Acas to improve employment relations within workplaces using joint problem solving and joint working. This report merges data from three telephone surveys of management and employee participants to evaluate the impact of workplace projects over a three and a half year period. The report starts with a look back of this Acas service over its life span before highlighting key findings from the data to give an overarching assessment of the context and impacts of workplace projects to inform the future of this service.
A survey to assess the impact of Acas Open Access training services [788kb] Ref: 14/11
Elizabeth Kwaw, Ros Grimes and Andrew Bryce (Ecorys)
Acas evaluates all training courses immediately after each event via customer feedback forms, however this report represents a more in-depth evaluation based on longer questionnaires with Acas' main commissioning clients, 3-9 months post-training. The report discusses the impacts of 'Open Access' training detailing the medium to long-term organisational effects of the service and comparing impacts and effectiveness of different topic/product types to evaluate and improve the service.
Mediation: A Thematic Review of the Acas/CIPD Evidence [806kb] Ref: 13/11
Paul L. Latreille (Swansea University)
The growing policy interest in mediation mirrors Acas' ongoing commitment to encouraging and supporting early dispute resolution in the workplace. Dr Latreille's thematic review of mediation in the workplace provides an overview of the key issues relating to mediation - its benefits, risks and the challenges in establishing effective mediation arrangements at work.
Acas Mediation 2010/11: Responses from participants and commissioners [217kb] Ref: 12/11
Acas Research and Evaluation Section
This paper reports findings from feedback questionnaires sent to participants in and commissioners of Acas mediation in 2010/11. The report covers issues relating to the background of the mediation, how participants felt about the process and explores mediation outcomes and parties' satisfaction with outcome.
Workplaces and Social Networking: The Implications for Employment Relations [386kb] Ref: 11/11
Andrea Broughton, Tom Higgins, Ben Hicks and Annette Cox (The Institute for Employment Studies)
This report sets out the results of a exploratory research project examining the implications of social networking and mobile information and communications technologies in the workplace. It seeks to inform the development of Acas guidance for managers on handling employment relations issues arising from employee use of social networking tools, and identify and explore research gaps.
Trade Union Officers and Collective Conciliation - A Secondary Analysis [1Mb] Ref: 10/11
Edmund Heery and David Nash (Cardiff Business School)
This report presents a secondary analysis of survey data collected by the Labour Research Department (LRD) on behalf of Acas in 2010. The report builds upon this initial work and presents a secondary analysis of the dataset, distinguished principally by a fuller statistical examination of patterns of variation in trade union officers' use of Acas collective conciliation. The report also takes in an examination of the characteristics of union officers themselves as well as an exploration of the incidence and characteristics of industrial disputes.
Trade union officers’ preferences and attitudes towards dispute resolution [384kb] Ref: 09/11
Chris Bond (WREAC Doctoral Student, University of Sheffield)
This paper reports on a qualitative follow-up study to an earlier survey of trade union negotiating officials undertaken by the Labour Research Department (LRD) on behalf of Acas in 2010. Eighteen in-depth interviews with officials who had made little or no use of Acas collective conciliation in the past decade were undertaken to more fully understand this group's preferences and attitudes - their favoured methods for resolving ER disputes, their knowledge of Acas collective conciliation and, in particular, any views that might be deterring them from using Acas.
Workplace conflict management: A poll of business [509kb] Ref: 08/11
Matt Williams and Acas Research and Evaluation Section
This report presents the findings from a telephone poll of owners, finance directors and other senior financial decision-makers across small and medium/large businesses. Respondents were asked about grievance and disciplinary handling in their organisation, and asked to consider the impact of the new Acas Code of Practice and guidance on arrangements. They were also asked about their awareness and use of mediation as a tool for resolving workplace disputes.
The Dispute Resolution Regulations two years on: the Acas experience [467kb] Ref: 07/11
Barbara Davey and Gill Dix (Acas Research and Evaluation Section)
Following the 2007 Gibbons Review of Dispute Resolution, Acas has played a key role in implementing the policy changes that emerged. This report sets out progress over the two years since the implementation of the 2008 Employment Act in April 2009. The evidence presented provides a benchmark for future monitoring of dispute resolution activities and outcomes, and highlights what Acas is doing more widely to promote the Gibbons agenda.
Evaluation of the Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance procedures [550kb] Ref: 06/11
Nilufer Rahim, Ashley Brown and Jenny Graham (NatCen)
A qualitative evaluation of the Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures. The new Code, which replaced the old statutory 3-step procedures in 2009, introduced a principles-based good practice approach. 36 in-depth interviews were undertaken to explore how the new Code is understood and used by employers, employees and their representatives and to explore the impact of Code upon disciplinary and grievance procedures.
The role of employment agencies in pay setting [344kb] Ref: 05/11
Chris Forde (Leeds University Business School) and Gary Slater (University of Bradford)
Report on a small pilot study to provide evidence and understanding of how temporary work agencies set pay levels and, where they do not set pay, the extent to which they influence pay. This report provides a detailed account of the variety of practices and different type of contracts entered into by agencies and the indirect role of setting profit margins in influencing pay.
SETA survey of representatives in Tribunal cases 2008 [1Mb] Ref: 04/11
Carrie Harding and Erica Garnett (TNS-BMRB)
This report presents the findings from the survey of representatives that was undertaken as part of SETA 2008. The main aim of the 2008 survey was to obtain a specialist perspective on the system of employment rights litigation with a particular interest in understanding the views of representatives about the role of Acas conciliators in the process.
Unlocking Engagement: A Review of the 'Innovative Workplaces' Initiative [1Mb] Ref: 03/11
Lynette Harris, Alan Tuckman, Derek Watling and Bernadette Downes (Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University)
This report presents an evaluation of the 'Innovative Workplaces' Initiative. This programme of work, funded by the East Midlands Development Agency, offered in-depth support to ten diverse organisations seeking to improve organisational performance. The report offers evidence to support the argument that improvements in communication and employee engagement lead to positive performance outcomes for organisations.
Service user perceptions of Acas’ conciliation in Employment Tribunal cases 2010 [1Mb] Ref: 02/11
Acas Research and Evaluation Section and Infogroup/ORC International
This report presents the findings from the latest in a series of Individual Conciliation customer surveys, undertaken in 2010. In addition to exploring customer experiences, it also compares key differences in customers' views between 2007 and 2010. Once again the results from the survey are positive and further highlight the value of Acas involvement in Employment Tribunal cases.
Transforming Conflict Management in the Public Sector - Mediation Trade Unions and Partnerships in a Primary Care Trust [578kb] Ref: 01/11
Richard Saundry, Louise McArdle and Pete Thomas (the Institute for Research into Organisations, Work and Employment (iROWE) at the University of Central Lancashire)
An important and timely contribution to Acas' research into the use of mediation as a method for responding to individual grievances and disciplinary matters in the workplace. This research is based on an in-depth exploratory case-study of East Lancashire Primary Care Trust. ELPCT provided a useful setting in which to examine the extent to which the introduction of an in-house mediation scheme triggered sustainable changes in the way in which the organisation manages individual conflict.

Research papers 2010

Social Dialogue and the changing role of Conciliation, Arbitration and Mediation Services in Europe (CAMS): A five country study of third party dispute resolution [286kb] Ref: 09/10
Steve Jefferys with Nick Clark, Sylvie Contrepois, Gill Dix, Fiona Neathey, Marinus Pires Lima, Volker Telljohann and Joanna Unterschutz
The CAMS project brought together social partners, public authorities and industrial relations experts from France, Italy, Poland, Portugal and the UK to exchange information about the development of conciliation, arbitration and mediation services in Europe against the background of changing trends in individual and collective conflicts at work. This report brings together findings from all five of the States that were involved in the study.
Evaluation of the first year of Acas' Pre-Claim Conciliation service [569kb] Ref: 08/10
Acas Research and Evaluation Section & Infogroup/ORC International
This report describes the findings from the first evaluation of Pre-Claim Conciliation (PCC) since it was rolled out nationally in April 2009. The research involved a survey of more than 1000 PCC service users (employers, employees and representatives), in-depth interviews with employers and employees who declined the offer of PCC as well as interviews with parties involved in successfully resolved cases. The wide-ranging nature of the research gives a rounded picture of the effectiveness of PCC in its first year.
Trade union negotiating officials' use and non-use of Acas conciliation in industrial disputes [677kb] Ref: 07/10
Clare Ruhemann (Labour Research Department)
This report describes the findings of an exploratory research project investigating trade union officials' experience of dealing with collective employment disputes, the extent of their use of Acas 'collective conciliation' as a strategy for resolving disputes and their reasons for any non-use. The focal point of the research was a full, structured survey to map officials' views, strategies and behaviours: 1,024 officials from 63 trade unions responded, making this one of the most comprehensive surveys of paid union negotiating officials in recent times.
Mediation at work: of success, failure and fragility [277kb] Ref: 06/10
Paul L. Latreille (Swansea University)
This paper explores how employer attitudes to mediation vary according to the outcome of the most recent case. It uses data from survey of employers undertaken by the CIPD in conjunction with Acas. This is the first occasion that multivariate modelling of mediation outcomes has been undertaken in the UK setting.
SME attitudes towards workplace mediation: the role of experience [277kb] Ref: 05/10
Paul L. Latreille (Swansea University), Franz Buscha and Anna Conte (Westminster Business School)
This paper contributes to the workplace mediation debate by undertaking secondary analysis of an Acas Omnibus Poll of SMEs. Two substantive issues are explored: the characteristics associated with previous experience of mediation in resolving workplace conflict; and the impact of prior knowledge and experience of mediation in this context.
An evaluation of the Acas in-depth advisory service [603kb] Ref: 04/10
Author: Derek Mitchell and Wendy Mitchell (Alpha Research Ltd)
The in-depth advice Acas offers is a free service delivered either by telephone or in person. The service is accessed primarily on behalf of employers and offers advice on addressing employment relations issues within the workplace, which are often of a highly complex nature. This paper reports on the findings of a survey of employers who accessed the service between May and October 2009.
Acas Helpline evaluation 2009 [1Mb] Ref: 03/10
Author: Alex Thornton and Nic Fitzgerald (TNS-BMRB)
Report on a mixed-methods evaluation of the Acas Helpline, carried out by TNS-BMRB. This paper focuses on a two-wave survey of callers undertaken to measure the effect of various changes to the service during 2009. A complementary phase of qualitative research, probing more deeply into issues covered within and raised by the surveys, is also reported on.
Report of the Employment Tribunal/Acas pilot on attendance of Acas individual conciliators at Case Management Discussions [183kb] Ref: 02/10
Author: Acas Research & Evaluation Section (based on research conducted by Chris Farrell and Robin Legard)
Case Management Discussions (CMD) are conducted in more complex Employment Tribunal cases. In 2009, Acas and the ETS conducted a pilot to explore the possibility that the attendance of an Acas conciliator at a CMD would increase the chances of case resolution without recourse to a full hearing. This report describes a qualitative evaluation of the pilot and puts forward some considerations for any future roll-out of the service.
An Integrated Evaluation of Acas Workplace Projects [748kb] 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 [263kb] 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 [183kb] 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 [561kb] (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 [501kb] (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 [508kb] (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 [557kb] (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 [614kb] (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 [279kb] (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 [189kb] (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 [519kb] (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

A Review of the Economic Impact of Employment Relations Services Delivered by Acas [399kb] (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 [581kb] (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 [415kb] (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 [851kb] (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 [597kb] (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 [764kb] (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 [346kb] (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 [349kb] (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 [2Mb] (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 [304kb] (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 [728kb] (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 [529kb] (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' [658kb] (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 [58kb].
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 [43kb].
Acas Telephone Helpline: Findings from the 2005 Customer Survey [631kb] (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? [724kb] (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 [198kb] (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 [66kb] (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 [161kb] (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 [67kb] (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 [210kb] (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 [340kb] (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 [112kb] (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 [260kb] (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 [295kb] (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 [504kb] (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 [373kb] (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 [386kb] (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 [220kb]
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 [208kb]
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: Brian Towers 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.

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