How can ACAS help if you're injured at work?

Updated: 4 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

When a workplace accident leads to injury, you may face disputes with your employer about sick pay, return-to-work arrangements, or even unfair treatment. ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides free, impartial advice and mediation services to help resolve employment-related issues without needing to go to court.

At a glance

  • ACAS offers free and impartial advice on workplace rights after an accident.
  • They help resolve disputes through conciliation and early resolution.
  • ACAS can guide employees and employers on reasonable adjustments and sick leave rights.
  • Using ACAS can prevent disputes escalating to an employment tribunal.

What is ACAS?

ACAS is a public body that helps improve workplace relationships. It provides guidance on employment rights and responsibilities, and it offers services to help resolve disputes between employers and employees.

ACAS can help with disputes over sick pay, adjustments or unfair treatment. Keep emails and notes from calls. Early help and a clear paper trail can strengthen any grievance or related claim.

Chris Salmon

Commercial Director
Work Accident Advice Centre

How ACAS can help injured workers

  • Employment rights advice: ACAS explains your rights around sick pay, absence management, redundancy, and workplace adjustments.
  • Early conciliation: If you are considering an employment tribunal claim, ACAS must first be contacted for early conciliation. This process helps both parties find an agreement without going to tribunal.
  • Resolving disputes: ACAS mediators can step in if disagreements arise over returning to work, reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act, or treatment after reporting an injury.
  • Guidance for employers: ACAS provides employers with resources to support staff fairly, which can encourage better cooperation and compliance with the law.

Real-world example

A retail shop worker injured her back while lifting heavy stock. After months off work, her employer wanted to reduce her hours and suggested redundancy. The worker contacted ACAS, who provided guidance and initiated early conciliation. With ACAS support, the employer agreed to fund workplace adjustments and retain her role. The matter was resolved without going to tribunal.

When to contact ACAS

You should contact ACAS if:

Limits of ACAS

ACAS does not provide legal representation or financial compensation. Their role is to provide impartial advice and encourage resolution. For legal claims such as personal injury compensation, you will need a solicitor.

Next steps

If you are injured at work and are struggling with your employer, ACAS can be a valuable source of support. Contact them directly via the ACAS helpline or website for tailored guidance on your situation.

Call now for free specialist advice

We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:

  • Advice that's right for your case
  • Check if you can claim
  • No Win, No Fee explained clearly

If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.

Call 0800 218 2227 Open until 8pm
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Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon