Employment Tribunals Act 1996, section 18

Conciliation : relevant proceedings etc

PART I Employment Tribunals

[F166 (1) In this section and sections 18A to 18C “relevant proceedings” means employment tribunal proceedings— F166]

[F167 (a)under section 66, 68A, 70C, 87, 137, 138, 145A, 145B, 146, 168, 168A, [F168 168B,F168] 169, 170, 174, 189 [F169 , 192 or 236AF169] of, or paragraph 156 of Schedule A1 to, the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992,

(b)under section 11, 23, [F170 27K, 27N,F170] 34, 63I, 70, 70A, 80(1), 80H, 93, 111, 163 or 177 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, or under Part 5 or 6 of that Act,

(c)under section 11 F171... or 24 of the National Minimum Wage Act 1998,

(d)under section 56 of the Pensions Act 2008,

(e)under section 120 or 127 of the Equality Act 2010,

(f)under regulation 11 of the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977,

(g)under article 6 of the Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) Order 1994,

(h)under article 6 of the Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (Scotland) Order 1994,

(i)under paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996,

(j)under regulation 30 of the Working Time Regulations 1998,

(k)under regulation 27 or 32 of the Transnational Information and Consultation of Employees Regulation 1999,

(l)under regulation 8 of the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000,

(m)under regulation 7 or 9 of the Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002,

[F172 (n)under regulation 26 of the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Hours of Work) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/58).F172]

(o)under regulation 15 of the Flexible Working (Procedural Requirements) Regulations 2002,

(p)under regulation 18 of the Merchant Shipping (Working Time: Inland Waterways) Regulations 2003,

(q)under regulation 18 of the Civil Aviation (Working Time) Regulations 2004,

(r)under regulation 19 of the Fishing Vessels (Working Time: Sea-fishermen) Regulations 2004,

(s)under regulation 29 or 33 of the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004,

(t)under paragraphs 4 or 8 of the Schedule to the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Consultation by Employers and Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2006,

(u)under regulation 30 or 34 of the European Cooperative Society (Involvement of Employees) Regulations 2006,

F173(v). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(w)under regulation 17 of the Cross-border Railway Services (Working Time) Regulations 2008,

(x)under regulation 9 of Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations 2009,

(y)under regulation 28 or 32 of the European Public Limited-Liability Company (Employee Involvement) (Great Britain) Regulations 2009,

(z)under regulation 18 of the Agency Workers Regulations 2010,

(z1)under regulation 17 of the Employee Study and Training (Procedural Requirements) Regulations 2010, F174...

(z2)under regulation 5, 6 or 9 of the Employment Relations Act 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations 2010F167][F175 , F176...

(z3)under regulation 3 of the Exclusivity Terms in Zero Hours Contracts (Redress) Regulations 2015F175][F177 , F178...

(z4)under regulation 6 of the Posted Workers (Enforcement of Employment Rights) Regulations 2016F177]F179[F180 ...

(z5)under regulation 4 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (NHS Recruitment – Protected Disclosure) Regulations 2018F180][F181 , F182...

(z6)under paragraph (3) of regulation 4 or paragraph (6) of regulation 5 of the Agency Workers (Amendment) Regulations 2019F181][F183 , or

(z7)under regulation 8 of the Exclusivity Terms for Zero Hours Workers (Unenforceability and Redress) Regulations 2022.F183]

[F184 (1A)Sections 18A and 18B apply in the case of matters which could be the subject of relevant proceedings, and section 18C applies in the case of relevant proceedings themselves.F184]

F185(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F186(2A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F185(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F185(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F185(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)In proceeding under [F187any of sections 18A to 18CF187] a conciliation officer shall, where appropriate, have regard to the desirability of encouraging the use of other procedures available for the settlement of grievances.

(7)Anything communicated to a conciliation officer in connection with the performance of his functions under [F187any of sections 18A to 18CF187] shall not be admissible in evidence in any proceedings before an [F188employment tribunalF188] , except with the consent of the person who communicated it to that officer.

(8) The Secretary of State [F189 and the Lord Chancellor, acting jointly, F189] may by order [F190 amend the definition of “relevant proceedings” in subsection (1) by adding to or removing from the list in that subsection particular types of employment tribunal proceedings. F190]

[F191 (9)An order under subsection (8) that adds employment tribunal proceedings to the list in subsection (1) may amend an enactment so as to extend the time limit for instituting those proceedings in such a way as appears necessary or expedient in order to facilitate the conciliation process provided for by section 18A.

(10)An order under subsection (8) that removes employment tribunal proceedings from the list in subsection (1) may—

(a)repeal or revoke any provision of an enactment that, for the purpose mentioned in subsection (9), extends the time limit for instituting those proceedings;

(b)make further amendments which are consequential on that repeal or revocation.F191]

Definitions used in section 18 3

employment

“employment” means employment under a contract of employment and “employed” shall be construed accordingly,

Defined in s.42(1) · see it in the full Act
employee

“employee” means an individual who has entered into or works under (or, where the employment has ceased, worked under) a contract of employment,

Defined in s.42(1) · see it in the full Act
conciliation officer

“conciliation officer” means an officer designated by ACAS under section 211 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 ,

Defined in s.42(1) · see it in the full Act

Cases considering section 18 11

Elizabeth Reynolds v Abel Estate Agent Ltd & Ors

[2025] EWCA Civ 1357 · 27 October 2025Defines

Provides the statutory framework for the provisions headed Conciliation. (see paras [16]-[18]) Defines relevant proceedings by reference to specified statutory provisions and instruments, identifying the claims to which section 18A applies. (see para [18])

Clark v Harney Westwood & Riegels (a Firm) & Ors

[2020] UKEAT 0018_20_2112 · 21 December 2020Defines

Section 18 defines relevant proceedings. The EAT held that both contractual proceedings under the 1994 Order and unlawful-deduction proceedings brought under section 23 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 fell within it. (see paras [67]-[80])

Allma Construction Ltd v Bonner

[2010] UKEAT 0060_09_1205 · 12 May 2010Interprets

Interprets the requirement that an ACAS officer has taken action by giving it its ordinary meaning: any action relating to the claim which endeavours to promote settlement is sufficient. The officer need not broker or record the settlement, so a COT3 is unnecessary. (see paras [24]–[26]; [41]) Identifies section 18(2)(a) as a possible statutory basis for ACAS involvement, although the Employment Tribunal made no finding whether the officer acted at the parties’ request. The point was noted but not decided. (see para [14]) Identifies section 18(2)(b) as a possible alternative basis for ACAS involvement, although the Employment Tribunal made no finding whether the officer acted of his own volition. The point was noted but not decided. (see para [14])

3 more judgments, and what each says about section 18, are in the case-law panel in the full Act.

Amendments and notes

28 notes from legislation.gov.uk

Amendments

  1. F165Words in s. 18 heading inserted (6.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 1 para. 5(2); S.I. 2014/253, art. 3(f)
  2. F166Words in s. 18(1) substituted (6.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 1 para. 5(3); S.I. 2014/253, art. 3(f)
  3. F167S. 18(1)(a)-(z2) substituted for s. 18(1)(a)-(y) (6.4.2014) by The Employment Tribunals Act 1996 (Application of Conciliation Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/431), arts. 1, 2
  4. F168Word in s. 18(1)(a) inserted (6.1.2026 for specified purposes) by Employment Rights Act 2025 (c. 36), ss. 65(11), 159(3); S.I. 2026/3, reg. 2(22) text inserted for certain specified purposes only, see the commentary.
  5. F169Words in s. 18(1)(a) substituted (18.2.2026) by Employment Rights Act 2025 (c. 36), ss. 76(4), 159(3); S.I. 2026/3, reg. 3(7)
  6. F170Words in s. 18(1)(b) inserted (31.7.2023 for specified purposes, 1.10.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 (c. 13), ss. 12(3)(b), 14(2); S.I. 2023/876, reg. 3(c); S.I. 2024/829, reg. 3(l)
  7. F171Word in s. 18(1)(c) omitted (7.4.2026) by virtue of Employment Rights Act 2025 (c. 36), s. 159(3), Sch. 10 para. 68(2) (with s. 147, Sch. 11); S.I. 2026/323, reg. 4(1)(55)(c)
  8. F172S. 18(1)(n) substituted (6.4.2018) by The Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Hours of Work) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/58), reg. 1, Sch. 2 para. 1(a) (with regs. 3, 4)
  9. F173S. 18(1)(v) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships and Partnerships (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/348), reg. 2, Sch. 3 para. 3; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
  10. F174Word in s. 18(1) omitted (11.1.2016) by virtue of The Employment Tribunals Act 1996 (Application of Conciliation Provisions) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/2054), arts. 1, 2(2)(a)
  11. F175S. 18(1)(z3) and word inserted (11.1.2016) by The Employment Tribunals Act 1996 (Application of Conciliation Provisions) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/2054), arts. 1, 2(2)(b)
  12. F176Word in s. 18(1) omitted (18.6.2016) by virtue of The Posted Workers (Enforcement of Employment Rights) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/539), regs. 1(1), 10(2)(a)
  13. F177S. 18(1)(z4) and word inserted (18.6.2016) by The Posted Workers (Enforcement of Employment Rights) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/539), regs. 1(1), 10(2)(b)
  14. F178Word in s. 18(1)(z3) omitted (23.5.2018) by virtue of The Employment Rights Act 1996 (NHS Recruitment Protected Disclosure) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/579), regs. 1(2), 10(4)(a)
  15. F179Word in s. 18(1) omitted (6.4.2020) by virtue of The Agency Workers (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/724), regs. 1(1), 8(4)(a) (with reg. 7)
  16. F180S. 18(1)(z5) and word inserted (23.5.2018) by The Employment Rights Act 1996 (NHS Recruitment Protected Disclosure) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/579), regs. 1(2), 10(4)(b)
  17. F181S. 18(1)(z6) and word inserted (6.4.2020) by The Agency Workers (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/724), regs. 1(1), 8(4)(b) (with reg. 7)
  18. F182Word in s. 18(1)(z5) omitted (5.12.2022) by virtue of The Employment Tribunals Act 1996 (Application of Conciliation Provisions) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1181), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(a)
  19. F183S. 18(1)(z7) and word inserted (5.12.2022) by The Employment Tribunals Act 1996 (Application of Conciliation Provisions) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1181), arts. 1(2), 2(2)(b)
  20. F184S. 18(1A) inserted (6.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 1 para. 5(7); S.I. 2014/253, art. 3(f)
  21. F185S. 18(2)-(5) omitted (6.4.2014) by virtue of Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 1 para. 5(8); S.I. 2014/253, art. 3(f) (with art. 5(2))
  22. F186S. 18(2A) repealed (6.4.2009) by Employment Act 2008 (c. 24), ss. 6(1), 22(1)(a), Sch. Pt. 1; S.I. 2008/3232, art. 2 (with art. 3, Sch.)
  23. F187Words in s. 18(6)(7) substituted (6.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 1 para. 5(9); S.I. 2014/253, art. 3(f) (with art. 5(1))
  24. F188Words in s. 18 substituted (1.8.1998) by 1998 c. 8, s. 1(2)(a) (with s. 16(2)); S.I. 1998/1658, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
  25. F189Words in s. 18(8) inserted (1.12.2007) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), ss. 48(1), 148, Sch. 8 para. 38; S.I. 2007/2709, art. 4
  26. F190Words in s 18(8) substituted for s. 18(8)(a)(b) (25.4.2013 for specified purposes, 6.4.2014 in so far as not already in force) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), ss. 9(2), 103(1)(i)(3); S.I. 2014/253, art. 3(d)
  27. F191S. 18(9)(10) inserted (25.4.2013 for specified purposes, 6.4.2014 in so far as not already in force) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), ss. 9(3), 103(1)(i)(3); S.I. 2014/253, art. 3(d)

Modifications

  1. C11S. 18 applied (6.4.2006 with application as mentioned in reg. 21(1) of the applying S.I.) by The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/246), reg. 16(1) (with reg. 21(5))