Online advice service takes off

Workplace experts Acas say that more than 50,000 people have used its new online advice service in just two months.

Acas Helpline online offers 24-hour free advice and guidance on rights at work and employment law. It provides an instant response to work-related questions or employers or employees can use the service so that they feel better informed before talking to an Acas helpline adviser.

Helpline online answers over 600 of the most frequently asked workplace questions on topics ranging from maternity and family friendly rights to absence and bullying and harassment.

Acas said on 19 August that since the service was launched on 17 June, employers and employees had used it more than 50,000 times. The three most frequently asked questions so far are:

  • how can an employer change the terms of a contract when an employee does not agree to the change being made?
  • how can an employee raise a grievance?
  • what are the different types of dismissal?

Acas chief executive Anne Sharp said: "It’s great to see that Helpline online is proving to be so popular. Last year, our highly experienced helpline advisers handled around 925,000 calls and our website receive 4.5 million visits. This new 24/7 service supplements what they can offer over the phone."

The Acas helpline phone service is available on 08457 47 47 47 from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturday

Link: www.acas.org.uk/helplineonline