UK Tribunal Time Limit Doubles to Six Months
From 1 October 2026 most UK employment tribunal claims get six months instead of three. Here is what changed for employers and what to do about it.
Since 1 October 2026, workers in Great Britain generally have six months, rather than three, to bring most employment tribunal claims. If you employ people in the UK, even a single remote hire, that means old disputes stay open longer and your records need to last longer too. This is general information, not legal advice.
What exactly changed?
The ordinary time limit moves from three months less one day to six months less one day. Law firm commentary says the change comes from the Employment Rights Act 2025. It applies where the act or failure complained of, or the effective date of termination, falls on or after 1 October 2026. For a series of acts, the longer limit applies only if the last one happens on or after that date.
In plain terms: a dismissal on 30 September 2026 still runs on the old three-month clock. A dismissal on 1 October or later gets six months.
Acas, the UK's workplace advice service, publishes guidance on the Act and is a good neutral place to track what has come into force: Acas.
What stays the same?
Law firm commentary says Acas early conciliation still stops the clock and the tribunal's power to extend time is unchanged. Some claim types are waiting for further commencement regulations, so not every claim moves on the same date. Check Acas or gov.uk before you rely on a deadline.
What should a small employer do now?
- Keep records longer. Hold personnel files, warning letters, performance notes and meeting records for at least as long as a claim could now arrive. Ask your adviser for the exact period.
- Document reasons at the time. Six months is a long time to remember why a decision was made.
- Talk to your payroll or HR provider. Many tools bundle template policies. Check they have been updated.
FAQ
Does this apply to contractors?
It applies to claims in the tribunal system generally. Whether a person can bring a given claim depends on their status, which is a separate question.
Does it affect claims from before October?
No, based on the commencement wording described above. Earlier events stay on the old limit.
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