The service's roots lie in 1896 when the government launched a voluntary conciliation and arbitration service, which also gave free advice to employers and unions on industrial relations and personnel problems. There was a name change in 1960, to "Industrial Relations Services", and again in 1972 to "Conciliation and Advisory Service". Up to this point in its history the service remained firmly under the Government's wing. In 1974, the service was renamed the "Conciliation and Arbitration Service" and separated from government control, with an independent Council to direct it. 'Advisory' was added to its name in 1975 to reflect its full range of services, then finally in 1976 Acas was made a statutory body by the Employment Protection Act 1975.