Why must you contact ACAS?

Because you are legally obliged to do so

Most employment tribunal claims (there are a couple of exclusions such as equal pay and redundancy) must be commenced within three months, less one day, of the date of the act complained of. That may seem a fairly long time but it is surprising how many claimants leave it until the very last minute.

Extensions of time can be granted but tribunals are keen that time limits are adhered to so will not grant an extension at the drop of a hat.

There is one element of the claim process which is often overlooked and that is the ACAS pre-claim conciliation procedure. This is a free service