Last updated 1 May 2026
Case Buddy vs ACAS
ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) is the authoritative UK body for employment relations, running the Early Conciliation scheme that is mandatory before any employment tribunal claim. Case Buddy explains employment law but is not a conciliation service. For employment disputes, both have a role at different stages.
Side-by-side comparison
| Case Buddy | ACAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7, instant — no waiting list | Helpline Monday–Friday; Early Conciliation starts within a few days of registration |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Specialist expertise | AI trained on UK employment, housing, and debt recovery law | Deep employment relations expertise; authoritative guidance on employment law |
| Speed | Immediate answers in seconds | Helpline: same-day; Early Conciliation: up to 6 weeks |
| Covers all 3 areas | Yes — housing, employment, and debt recovery | Employment and workplace relations only |
| Generates legal letters | Yes — grievance letters, resignation letters, subject access requests | No — ACAS does not draft letters; it facilitates conciliation |
Which is right for you?
Use Case Buddy when…
- You want to understand whether you have been unfairly dismissed before contacting anyone
- You need to know the tribunal time limit for your claim (critical — it is only 3 months)
- You want a grievance letter or formal resignation letter drafted quickly
- It is outside ACAS helpline hours and you need information now
- You want to understand your redundancy rights, notice pay entitlement, or holiday pay
Use ACAS when…
- You want to attempt to settle your employment dispute before going to tribunal — ACAS Early Conciliation is mandatory anyway
- You need to register an employment tribunal claim
- You want to speak to a trained employment adviser about the merits of your case
- You are an employer seeking guidance on managing a disciplinary or dismissal
- You want authoritative published codes of practice on employment procedures
Our verdict
ACAS is essential if you are pursuing an employment tribunal claim — Early Conciliation is a legal requirement and ACAS is the body that administers it. Case Buddy is best used earlier in the process to understand your rights, the relevant time limits, and whether you have a viable claim. Use Case Buddy first, then ACAS when you are ready to act.
Try Case Buddy free
Describe your situation in plain English. Case Buddy explains the relevant UK law — free, instantly, no sign-up required.
Try Case Buddy free →