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Acas We help small businesses, employers and workers by providing core employment advice, practical steps and training events. What do we expect from our community?

Whether you’re an employer who wants to make sure they’re following employment law and good practice, or an employee who wants to understand your rights at work, we can help. There’s no charge for most of what we offer. Our expertise is based on millions of contacts with employers and employees each year. Acas experts often write the codes that people must follow in the workplace. We support good relationships between employers and employees which help organisations to thrive. And when there’s a dispute we help by providing conciliation to resolve workplace problems. We aren’t on anyone’s side - we tell you the facts. Acas is using Facebook to share information and to support employees and employers throughout the UK, as well as sharing guidance on employment law and creating happy, healthy and productive workplaces. Our Helpline team can help answer your questions on 0300 123 1100 Monday to Friday 08:00 – 18:00. We will not accept abusive, defamatory or offensive comments or content. Any content that we deem unsuitable will be deleted and we reserve the right to block users.

Running a small business? How do you handle requests for flexible working?For small businesses, balancing employee needs...
16/10/2026

Running a small business? How do you handle requests for flexible working?

For small businesses, balancing employee needs with day to day operations can be challenging.

As employment law evolves, making fair, reasonable and evidence-based decisions is increasingly important.

In her latest blog, Acas Chair Baroness Maggie Jones explores how open conversations, transparency and a willingness to find practical solutions can help small businesses manage flexible working requests fairly and confidently.

Read the full blog: A revised Acas Code of Practice on requests for flexible working
https://www.acas.org.uk/a-revised-acas-code-of-practice-on-requests-for-flexible-working

For small businesses, preventing sexual harassment at work isn't just about having the right policies in place. It's abo...
14/10/2026

For small businesses, preventing sexual harassment at work isn't just about having the right policies in place. It's about creating a culture where concerns are recognised early and risks are managed before problems arise.

New Acas research found that 41% of employers are unaware of important changes to the law on preventing sexual harassment at work. From 30 October 2026, employers will be under a strengthened duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.

The latest Acas blog explores what this means for SMEs, why prevention cannot wait, and the practical steps employers can take now to identify risks and prepare for the changes.

Read more: https://www.acas.org.uk/sexual-harassment-at-work-why-prevention-cannot-wait

02/10/2026

Flexible working can make a real difference to how people balance work with the rest of their lives.

Acas has launched a consultation on updates to its Code of Practice on requests for flexible working, following upcoming changes to the law.

The updated Code is designed to help employers and employees have clearer, more constructive conversations about flexible working requests and reach fair, reasonable decisions.

If flexible working matters to you, we want to hear your views.

👉 Have your say: https://www.acas.org.uk/about-us/acas-consultations/code-of-practice-flexible-working-requests-2026

Flexible working requests can raise practical questions for small businesses, from staffing and service delivery to fair...
01/10/2026

Flexible working requests can raise practical questions for small businesses, from staffing and service delivery to fairness across different roles.
Acas has launched a consultation on updates to its Code of Practice on requests for flexible working.

The draft Code is designed to help employers consider requests carefully, explore alternatives where appropriate and explain decisions clearly.

If you run or manage a small business, we want to hear whether the updated Code feels clear, practical and workable in real workplaces.

👉 Have your say: acas.org.uk/flexible-working-code-consultation

25/09/2026

Positive workplace relationships are built on trust, communication and addressing concerns early.

When problems arise at work, dealing with them early can help prevent issues from becoming more difficult to resolve.

If you are experiencing conflict or concerns at work, Acas provides free, impartial and expert advice to help you understand your options and decide what to do next.

Workplace issues can be harder for small businesses to manage when time, capacity and resources are limited. But concern...
23/09/2026

Workplace issues can be harder for small businesses to manage when time, capacity and resources are limited.

But concerns rarely become formal disputes overnight. There are often opportunities to step in earlier.

Acas research into disabled employees’ experiences of workplace conflict highlights the importance of having constructive conversations, responding to concerns promptly and managing disability-related needs effectively.

For small business owners, making sure managers know how to recognise concerns and have the right conversations can help prevent issues from escalating, protect working relationships and reduce disruption.

Early support can make a real difference.

đź”— Find Acas guidance and support on preventing workplace conflict: https://www.acas.org.uk/research-and-commentary/workplace-conflict/disabled-employees-experiences-of-workplace-conflict/report

Previous Acas research found that 68% of disabled people whose disability had a major impact on their daily life reporte...
22/09/2026

Previous Acas research found that 68% of disabled people whose disability had a major impact on their daily life reported workplace conflict, compared with 44% of working-age adults.

New Acas research looks more closely at disabled employees’ experiences and explores how workplace conflict can develop.

The findings highlight the importance of having disability related needs recognised, being able to discuss support and ensuring reasonable adjustments work effectively in practice.

đź”— Read the research and find Acas advice on your rights and options at work: https://www.acas.org.uk/research-and-commentary/workplace-conflict/disabled-employees-experiences-of-workplace-conflict/report

Workplace conflict can become costly when concerns are left unresolved.Speaking at today’s Peninsula UK HR and Business ...
17/09/2026

Workplace conflict can become costly when concerns are left unresolved.

Speaking at today’s Peninsula UK HR and Business Leaders Forum, Acas Chief Executive, Niall Mackenzie, highlighted why employers should engage with workplace issues as early as possible.

For smaller employers, managers can play an important role in recognising concerns, starting effective conversations and addressing problems before positions become entrenched.

Give your managers the skills and confidence to recognise and address workplace conflict early with Acas training:
https://obs.acas.org.uk/

Strong workplace relationships can help businesses manage change, support productivity and prevent workplace problems fr...
14/09/2026

Strong workplace relationships can help businesses manage change, support productivity and prevent workplace problems from escalating.

Acas Chair, Baroness Maggie Jones highlighted the value of healthy workplace relations and early conflict resolution at today’s Make UK HRD Network.

Managers play an important role in putting this into practice. As a small business owner, giving them the right skills can help them approach difficult conversations with confidence and address problems before they escalate.

Give your managers the skills and confidence to manage workplace conflict effectively with Acas training:
https://obs.acas.org.uk/

A reminder that the Acas helpline will be closed for the August bank holiday on Monday 31 August.We will reopen on Tuesd...
28/08/2026

A reminder that the Acas helpline will be closed for the August bank holiday on Monday 31 August.

We will reopen on Tuesday 1 September, from 8am to 6pm.

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Thursday 9am - 5pm
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+443001231100

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