Misadvised by an ACAS officer

[JeneiMac]

I have a matter of automatically unfair dismissal pending. Could not take it to an ET without speaking with an ACAS Conciliator. Conciliator advised me my claim was worth very little even if I won it, which I can prove (One and a half weeks wages which I now understand is a Basic Award) and which I have now found out is not remotely reflective of the amount I may be entitled to claim. A COT3 has been generated with an offer from my former employer which has offered the pittance I was led to believe I was entitled to claim by the ACAS officer. Is the agreement binding when it was formed upon the misadvice I was given by the ACAS officer? I have not yet signed the agreement. Thank you for your help.

[becky2585]

Have you agreed the wording of the COT3 (even verbally)? It becomes legally binding at that stage, regardless of your signature.

 

Have you spoken to the ACAS advice line and an early conciliator separately?

[JeneiMac]

Yes I have spoken to an ACAS conciliator who was the person who advised me of the value of my claim, and how the ET assesses and gives awards, but which I have since found out is not remotely true in terms of how the ET works.

[JeneiMac]

Just to add the ACAS officer was the person who drew the agreement up.

[becky2585]

Did you indicate your verbal agreement to the wording?

[steampowered]

Why do you think you are entitled to more - do you think the compensatory element of the award could be significant (for example were you out of work for a long time as a result of the dismissal)? Its very difficult to comment without a bit more background.