Employment tribunal claims have strict deadlines. Most claimants in Great Britain now have longer to make a claim, but the start date depends on the type of claim. This guide explains the new time limits, the Scottish exception and how to get help.
Change at a glance
For most employment tribunal claims, the deadline has increased from three months minus one day to six months minus one day.
When
1st October 2026
The new limit applies to most claims where the relevant date is on or after this date.
Where
Great Britain
The changes apply in Scotland, England and Wales. Only specific claim types are covered in Northern Ireland.
New usual deadline
6 months minus 1 day
Previously, most claims had a deadline of 3 months minus 1 day.
Important Scottish exception
9th November 2026
Scottish breach of contract claims: the new six-month-minus-one-day limit applies where the employment ends on or after this date. If it ended earlier, the old three-month-minus-one-day limit generally applies.
Last checked: 12th November 2026. This guide explains general time-limit rules, not the deadline for an individual case. Different claims can have different starting dates and transitional rules. Do not assume you automatically have six months. Contact Acas promptly if you are considering a claim.
What changed on 1st October 2026?
The Employment Rights Act 2025 increased the usual time limit for most employment tribunal claims from three months minus one day to six months minus one day.
You usually still need to contact Acas before making a claim. Some claims have different deadlines.
How is the deadline worked out?
The deadline usually starts from the date of the event you are complaining about. The starting date depends on the type of claim:
- Unfair dismissal: usually when your notice period ends.
- Pay: usually when you should have been paid.
- Discrimination: usually the date of the most recent incident in your claim.
Example: If the relevant date is 1st October 2026, six months minus one day is 31st March 2027.
Several incidents, ongoing problems or different types of claim can make the calculation more complicated. Get advice if you are unsure.
Does the six-month deadline apply to every employment claim?
No. Six months minus one day is now the usual deadline for most claims, but some claims have different time limits or special procedures.
Some claims already had a six-month-minus-one-day deadline before October 2026. These include statutory redundancy pay and equal pay claims, as well as certain claims involving trade unions or members of the armed forces. Other procedures have much shorter deadlines.
Important: interim relief has a much shorter deadline
In some unfair dismissal cases, you can ask the tribunal for an urgent order to protect your position while your case is decided. This is called interim relief. You must apply within just 7 days after your employment ends. You may not need to contact Acas first. Get urgent legal advice if this could apply to you.
What if the problem happened before 1st October 2026?
Before 1st October
Usually 3 months minus 1 day
On or after 1st October
Usually 6 months minus 1 day
The date you submit your claim does not decide which limit applies. The relevant date depends on the type of claim. If your situation involves several incidents or an ongoing problem, get advice before working out the deadline.
What about unfair dismissal, discrimination and pay claims?
Most unfair dismissal, discrimination and pay claims are covered by the longer deadline. The clock does not start on the same date for every type of claim:
Unfair dismissal
Usually starts on the day your notice period ends. If you are dismissed without notice, it usually starts on the date your dismissal takes effect.
Discrimination
Usually runs from the most recent incident of discrimination included in the claim. A continuing course of conduct can make the relevant date more complicated.
Pay and wages
Usually runs from the date you should have been paid. If there have been several underpayments, the calculation may be more complicated. The Scottish change on 9th November applies only to qualifying claims for a breach of an employment contract. It does not automatically apply to every unpaid wages claim.
Remember: one workplace problem can lead to more than one type of claim, each with a different deadline.
What is the position in Scotland?
Most Scottish employment tribunal claims follow the new six-month-minus-one-day limit from 1st October 2026.
Scottish contract claims: later start date
9th November 2026
For certain claims about money owed under an employment contract or another breach of that contract, the six-month limit applies if your employment ends on or after this date. If it ends earlier, the old three-month limit usually applies.
For these Scottish contract claims, the relevant date is the effective date of termination of the employment contract giving rise to the claim. If you are dismissed or resign with notice, this is normally the date your notice period expires, not your last day physically at work. If your employment ends without notice, it is the date the termination takes effect. If there is no effective date of termination, the last day you worked in that employment is used.
Example: If your employment ends on 9th November 2026 and your claim qualifies, the usual deadline is 8th May 2027. If it ends on 8th November, the old limit generally applies.
This later date does not apply to every Scottish pay claim.
Does the change apply in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has a separate tribunal system, so the six-month extension does not apply to most claims there. Only a limited number of claims are covered, including certain National Minimum Wage, maritime working-hours and civil aviation working-hours claims. Check Northern Ireland guidance if your claim is there.
Do I still need to contact Acas?
For most claims in Great Britain, you must contact Acas before submitting a tribunal claim. Its free Early Conciliation service gives you and your employer a chance to settle the dispute without a hearing.
What happens to the deadline?
If you contact Acas before your deadline, the clock is paused during Early Conciliation. If no agreement is reached, Acas gives you a certificate. Special rules apply when working out your new deadline, so check it with Acas or a legal adviser.
Do not wait until the last minute to contact Acas.
Does raising a grievance extend the tribunal deadline?
No. A grievance, disciplinary process or appeal does not automatically pause the tribunal deadline. Keep track of the deadline while using your employer’s internal process. Do not wait for it to finish before checking whether you need to contact Acas.
What should I do if I think I may have a claim?
01 · Identify the type of claim
The legal issue affects which time limit and starting date apply.
02 · Record the key dates
Keep relevant letters, payslips, messages and a note of important incidents.
03 · Contact Acas promptly
Notify Acas within the applicable time limit if you are considering a claim.
04 · Get advice where needed
A trade union, solicitor or other qualified adviser can help you understand the deadline and options for your circumstances.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Tribunals usually apply deadlines strictly. Some late claims may be accepted, depending on the type of claim and the reason for the delay, but you should not rely on this.
Think you have missed the deadline? Contact Acas or get legal advice as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
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