Employment Tribunal Time Limits Are Changing

Employees facing problems at work will soon have more time to consider their legal options. From 1 October 2026, the time limit for bringing most Employment Tribunal claims will increase from three months to six months.

The change forms part of the wider employment law reforms introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025, which are being implemented in stages. The extension is intended to give employees more time to seek legal advice, understand their rights and, where appropriate, attempt to resolve a workplace dispute before starting Tribunal proceedings.

For someone who has recently been dismissed, discriminated against or subjected to harassment at work, the additional time could be particularly important. Employment disputes can be difficult to navigate, especially where an employee is unsure whether their employer's actions were lawful or whether they have sufficient grounds to bring a claim.

The changes may also be relevant to employees who are considering challenging their dismissal. As wider reforms to unfair dismissal rights are introduced, more employees may find themselves considering whether their treatment at work gives rise to a potential claim.

However, employees should not assume that they can simply wait before taking action. Different types of employment claim can be subject to different time limits, and there are important procedural requirements that may need to be followed. In many cases, an employee must contact Acas to begin Early Conciliation before an Employment Tribunal claim can be brought.

It is also worth remembering that evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes. Emails may be deleted, conversations can become difficult to recall and important documents may be harder to locate. Seeking advice at an early stage can therefore be useful even where a formal claim has not yet been decided upon.

The changes are part of a significant period of reform to UK employment law, with further developments affecting areas including unfair dismissal, sexual harassment and workplace rights.

If you have been dismissed, are experiencing difficulties with your employer or believe that you have been discriminated against or treated unlawfully at work, a solicitor can advise you on your legal position, the evidence available to you and the options open to you. Understanding your position early could be important, even with the new six-month time limit.