Employment tribunal time limits doubled today.

From 1st of October 2026, staff (employees and workers) have six months, not three, to bring most employment tribunal claims. That includes, but not limited to: unfair dismissal, discrimination, unpaid wages, and holiday pay.

What this means for employers:

1. It only applies to events from today onwards. A dismissal or other act before 1 October 2026 stays on the old three-month limit.

2. ACAS early conciliation still comes first, and it can still 'pause the clock' and push the deadline back further.

3. A claim could now arrive six months or more after the event. Meeting notes, the reasons for decisions and key emails need to be kept and easy to find.

4. Check how long you keep HR records. If files are cleared out after a few months, that may now be too soon.

5. One thing hasn't changed. Once the tribunal sends you a claim, you still have 28 days to file your ET3 response.

Next on the list: from 1 January 2027, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal is due to fall from two years to six months.

If you've had an ACAS notification or an ET1 claim, or want your processes checked before the next round of changes, we have a free 'Response Guide' to assist you in the first steps of receiving a claim. Get in touch. Fixed-fee packages from £800.

Call or WhatsApp: 07727 126915

General information only, not legal advice on your situation.