The Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) has updated its notice to confirm that all applications and complaints should first be submitted electronically to enquiries@cac.gov.uk. The update is dated 30 January 2026 and standardises the initial route into the organisation’s casework. (gov.uk)
The CAC is an independent statutory body that resolves collective disputes in Great Britain through voluntary agreement where possible or, if required, by legal decision. Its work is supported by a small London-based secretariat. (gov.uk)
The instruction captures the main areas of CAC jurisdiction, including statutory trade union recognition processes under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and disputes under the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations. Employers, unions and worker representatives are therefore within scope. (gov.uk)
Under the Information and Consultation Regulations, CAC guidance identifies 14 distinct application and complaint routes. Each has a specific form, and a case manager is appointed once a filing is received to help the parties understand procedure. (gov.uk)
Earlier guidance noted that applications and complaints under the Information and Consultation Regulations could be sent by post or email. The latest notice requests that initial filings are made by email to enquiries@cac.gov.uk, aligning the opening step with an electronic-first approach. (gov.uk)
Operationally, the digital approach is reflected in hearing arrangements. Current notices show proceedings scheduled via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, with attendance requests routed through the same enquiries@cac.gov.uk inbox. (gov.uk)
Accessibility is handled through the same channel. The CAC invites requests for alternative formats by emailing enquiries@cac.gov.uk, and individual form pages direct users needing accessible versions to contact the inbox. (gov.uk)
Parties should consider data handling when submitting electronically. The CAC’s personal information charter states that details provided in general enquiries are retained for one year, and Freedom of Information or subject access records for two years, with contact via enquiries@cac.gov.uk. (gov.uk)
The update concerns statutory applications and complaints to the CAC. Service complaints about the CAC itself follow a separate process: initial contact by email to enquiries@cac.gov.uk with escalation to the Chief Executive by post if required. (gov.uk)
For HR leads, union officials and worker representatives, the immediate action is straightforward: complete the relevant CAC form and submit it by email in the first instance. A case manager will then set out the next steps once the application or complaint has been received. (gov.uk)