Until now, most employment tribunal proceedings had to be presented within 3 months of the event giving rise to the claim. Only a small number of claims, including equal pay and statutory redundancy payments, had a longer time limit of 6 months.
From today (1 October 2026), the time limit for bringing the majority employment tribunal claims increases from 3 months to 6 months.
The new 6-month time limit applies only where the effective date of termination or the date of the matter complained of, or, where there is a series of similar acts or omissions, the date of the last act or omission in the series, occurs on or after 1 October 2026. Claims based on dismissals, or acts or omissions, that occur before 1 October 2026 will still be subject to a 3-month time limit.
While the extension may encourage greater use of workplace mediation and settlement discussions, employers should also anticipate an increase in employment tribunal claims as employees now have more time to obtain advice, gather evidence and commence proceedings.
Please contact our employment team for further guidance on how this change may affect your business.