Employees now have six months less a day to bring most employment tribunal claims in England, Wales and Scotland, following a change that took effect on 1 October 2026.
The limit has risen from three months less a day under the Employment Rights Act 2025. It covers claims including unfair dismissal and discrimination.
The new limit applies where the relevant act, failure or dismissal takes effect on or after 1 October. Claims with an earlier relevant date keep the three-month limit.
Where a claim involves a series of events, such as alleged discrimination, the date of the last event generally decides which limit applies.
Acas early conciliation can extend the time available. A claimant must notify Acas within the applicable limit, and the clock is then paused during conciliation.
Breach of contract claims in employment tribunals in England and Wales are covered from 1 October. In Scotland they move to six months on 9 November 2026.
Equal pay and statutory redundancy payment claims already had six-month limits.
Employment lawyers have warned the longer limit could lead to more claims over time and increase pressure on the tribunal system.