Employment tribunal time limits are now 6 months

What changed

From 1 October 2026, most employment tribunal claims must be started within 6 months, up from 3 months less a day. That includes unfair dismissal and discrimination. Some claims, such as statutory redundancy pay and equal pay, already had 6 months.

The new limit applies where the relevant date, usually the act or failure complained of, falls on or after 1 October 2026. For breach of contract claims in Scotland it applies from 9 November 2026.

Acas early conciliation comes first

Before most claims can be started, the person must notify Acas. While early conciliation runs, the clock stops, so the time limit is extended. Conciliation is free and can end in a binding COT3 agreement.

Why this matters with the backlog

Tribunals are busier than they've ever been: around 64,000 single claims were waiting at the end of March 2026, and some final hearings are being listed into 2029. A longer time limit gives people more room to try to resolve things first, through a conversation, mediation or agreeing terms in writing, before a claim becomes the only route.

What it means in practice

• Employees have longer to raise concerns and take advice, but shouldn't wait: evidence and memories fade.
• Employers carry risk for longer after a decision, so records of a fair process matter more.
• Informal routes don't pause the clock. Only Acas early conciliation does.