Why is conciliation helpful?

When it comes to resolving an unfair dismissal dispute, conciliation has benefits for both sides.
Click on the blue arrows to explore some frequently asked questions.

Can conciliation help us
end the dispute?

Conciliation can help both sides end the dispute and move on.

In a conciliation, you have an opportunity to be heard and reach an agreement. This happens through a respectful negotiation process that a conciliator will guide you through.

If you reach agreement, the dispute comes to an end.

Is the conciliator
on my side?

No. Conciliators don’t take sides. They are independent and impartial.

The conciliator’s job is to help both sides reach an agreement.

They do not:

  • give legal advice
  • hear evidence or judge the case
  • argue on behalf of either side
  • decide the outcome for you.

Do I have to settle at
conciliation?

No. You do not have to settle at conciliation.

It is part of the conciliator's role to provide information about the potential strengths and weaknesses of your case, explore alternative options, and comment on possible outcomes. This can help you make an informed decision about how you want to proceed. However, a conciliator will never force you to settle.

Is conciliation private and
confidential?

Generally, anything said in a conciliation is private and confidential. We don’t record conciliations, and no one else is allowed to either. Employees and employers usually agree to keep any outcome confidential.

If the claim goes to a formal conference or hearing later, anything that is said during conciliation can’t be used against you. And unlike a formal conference or hearing, where we publish decisions on our website, we don’t publish any information about what is said or agreed to in conciliation.