Employment Tribunal Time Limit Changes: (Latest Update)

What Is Changing?

Currently, most Employment Tribunal claims must generally be brought within three months less one day.

From 1 October 2026, this will change to six months less one day for most claims.

This additional time may give employees and employers more opportunity to resolve workplace disputes through grievances, negotiations or settlement discussions before Tribunal proceedings become necessary.

However, you should not assume that you have six months to bring your claim.

The applicable deadline can depend on:

• When the relevant employment issue occurred
• The type of claim you are considering
• Whether the issue occurred before or after 1 October 2026
• Whether there has been a continuing course of conduct
• The impact of Acas Early Conciliation
• Transitional rules applying to your particular circumstances

Have You Been Dismissed or Treated Unfairly at Work?

You may have a potential Employment Tribunal claim if you have experienced:

Unfair Dismissal

If you have been dismissed and believe the dismissal was unfair, the relevant limitation period will generally run from your effective date of termination.

Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination claims can involve complex limitation issues, particularly where there has been a continuing course of discriminatory conduct.

Unpaid Wages or Pay Disputes

If you have not received the wages or other payments you are entitled to, the relevant deadline will depend on the circumstances and type of claim.

Redundancy Disputes

If you have been made redundant or are disputing your statutory redundancy entitlement, specific limitation rules may apply.

Other Employment Disputes

Different employment claims can have different deadlines. It is important to identify the potential claim before calculating the applicable limitation period.

Don’t assume every employment claim has the same deadline.

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3 Months to 6 Months: What Does the Change Mean?

CURRENT RULE

3 months less one day

For most Employment Tribunal claims, this is currently the general limitation period.

FROM 1 OCTOBER 2026

6 months less one day

For most claims arising from relevant events on or after 1 October 2026, the longer limitation period will generally apply.

IMPORTANT

The new rules are not simply retrospective.

If your employment issue happened before 1 October 2026, the existing rules will generally continue to apply.

Your date matters.

When Does the New 6-Month Time Limit Apply?

The transition between the old and new rules is particularly important.

For example:

Dismissed on 10 September 2026?

The existing three-month-minus-one-day framework will generally apply.

Dismissed on 10 October 2026?

The new six-month regime will generally apply to an ordinary unfair dismissal claim.

The exact position can become more complicated where there are multiple events, continuing discrimination or more than one potential claim.

If you are unsure which deadline applies to you, get legal advice as soon as possible.

Does Acas Early Conciliation Still Apply?

Yes.

The change to the Employment Tribunal time limit does not remove the requirement to notify Acas before bringing most Employment Tribunal claims.

Generally, you will need to:

1. Identify your potential claim
   Understand what happened and which employment rights may have been affected.
2. Notify Acas
   Most claimants need to begin the Acas Early Conciliation process before presenting their Tribunal claim.
3. Consider settlement
   Early Conciliation may provide an opportunity to resolve the dispute without going to Tribunal.
4. Receive your certificate
   If the dispute is not resolved, Acas will issue an Early Conciliation certificate, allowing the claimant to proceed subject to the applicable limitation rules.

Does Raising a Grievance Extend the Tribunal Deadline?

Not automatically. You may decide to raise a formal grievance with your employer before bringing a Tribunal claim. You may also appeal the outcome.

However, an internal grievance or appeal does not automatically extend the Employment Tribunal limitation period.

This means you should keep your Tribunal deadline in mind even while your employer is investigating your grievance.

Don’t let an internal process cause you to miss a legal deadline.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Employment Tribunal time limits can be strict.

In certain circumstances, a Tribunal may have discretion to accept a late claim. However, this depends on the type of claim and the circumstances surrounding the delay.

You should never rely on the possibility of an extension.

If you think your deadline may already have passed, seek legal advice immediately. There may still be options depending on your circumstances.

What Should You Do Now?

Whether your employment dispute occurred before or after 1 October 2026, taking action early can help you protect your position.

Identify What Happened

Was it a dismissal, discrimination, redundancy, unpaid wages or another workplace issue?

Identify Your Potential Claim

Different claims can have different limitation periods.

Establish Your Deadline

Do not simply assume that the new six-month period applies.

Preserve Your Evidence

Keep relevant emails, messages, letters, contracts, payslips, meeting notes and other documents.

Consider Your Options

You may have the option of raising a grievance, negotiating a settlement or pursuing an Employment Tribunal claim.

Get Legal Advice

An employment solicitor can help you understand your potential claims and calculate the relevant deadlines.

How KLG Law Can Help

Employment disputes can become complicated quickly.

A single workplace situation may involve several potential claims, each with its own legal requirements and limitation rules. Transitional provisions, continuing acts, internal procedures and Acas Early Conciliation can make calculating the correct deadline even more difficult.

KLG Law’s employment solicitors can advise employees and employers on:

• Employment Tribunal claims
• Employment Tribunal time limits
• Unfair dismissal
• Discrimination claims
• Employment disputes
• Grievances and workplace disputes
• Settlement discussions
• Acas Early Conciliation
• Limitation and deadline issues

We can help you understand your position, assess your options and make sure you are aware of the relevant deadlines.

Don’t Wait Until Your Deadline Is Approaching

The move from three months to six months gives more time for most Employment Tribunal claims from 1 October 2026.

But more time does not mean unlimited time.

If you believe you have an employment claim, getting advice early can help you:

• Understand your potential claims
• Identify the correct limitation period
• Preserve important evidence
• Understand the Acas Early Conciliation process
• Consider settlement or internal procedures
• Avoid unnecessary last-minute pressure

Unsure About Your Employment Tribunal Deadline?

Speak to KLG Law’s employment solicitors for advice on your situation.

The information on this page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment Tribunal limitation rules can vary depending on the type of claim and circumstances. You should obtain advice on your individual situation.