Acas

Just because they may not give you the answer that you want to hear it doesn't mean they don't know what they're doing, or that they are on the side of employers etc.
I have telephoned them a couple of times and both times I have been given solid advice, whether it was what I had hoped for or not, the advice was right and on no-ones side but the law.
It is a very useful service to have available, and its free.

Awful. I was just calling to check if my employer has followed the legislations, and if what they had done was indeed correct. Was met with a pedantic advisor who patronised me for not using the jargon they use. I'm not HR I'm not legal, I'm using everyday understandable words.
No compassion, no interest in helping. Again I just wanted a confirmation that my employer followed the legislations and did everything right! I was not expecting them to tell me they didn't, I just wanted confirmation. Thanks for nothing.

My call was answered within a couple of minutes. The operative was patient while I explained my situation and she provided me with plenty of information. There was one area she couldn’t advise on but she directed toward the right person. She seemed very knowledgable and I certainly felt in a better position after the conversation because I had a proper understanding. 10/10.

Surprised to read all these negative comments. I've contacted the ACAS helpline on a few occasions in my capacity as a union rep and I've always found them to be polite, prompt and helpful providers of impartial advice. I have no complaints.

access.org.uk not recommended; it added more stress to me.
Filled out a rather complicated form online but it seems to me that the form was not read by the advisor who called me. Anyway, the advisor came out unprofessional and kept repeating the obvious (you know; that they don't take sides!) many times making the call worthless! The whole thing added more stress to me. I would not recommend using this service in its current form. it needs reforming! The government needs to find another way or could be better to expand the CAB service funding and ditch this useless pre-tribunal service altogether.

Dealt with my issue very professionally and was very clear with the process of what I should do.

They sound like they are reading from a script and don't actually answer any of your questions

I have experienced the highest standards of ACAS services.
From my initial telephone call right through to the end, their support was exceptional.
Professional work from Adrian Carter-very knowledgeable, explained everything as needed and was super helpful.