Does the 6-month limit apply to a dismissal in September 2026?

No. The longer limit only applies where the time limit starts on or after 1 October 2026. A dismissal that took effect before then keeps the 3-month limit.

Does the change apply in Scotland?

Yes, for most claims from 1 October 2026. For breach of contract claims in Scotland, the change applies from 9 November 2026.

Does it apply in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland has its own industrial tribunal system. The government says the change affects only a few specific Northern Ireland cases (national minimum wage, maritime labour and aviation working time).

Does Acas early conciliation still pause the time limit?

Yes. If the employee notifies Acas within the time limit, the limit is paused until early conciliation ends.

Have the time limits for redundancy pay and equal pay claims changed?

No. Those claims already had a limit of 6 months minus 1 day.

Employment tribunal time limits double to 6 months from 1 October 2026: what employers need to know

Written by the Verstia editorial team · Based on the official sources listed below · Not reviewed by a lawyer

Published 24 September 2026Last updated 24 September 20264 min read

From 1 October 2026, the time limit for bringing most employment tribunal claims in Great Britain increases from 3 months minus 1 day to 6 months minus 1 day. The longer limit only applies where the time limit starts on or after 1 October 2026 — broadly, where the act complained of (for example, a dismissal) happens on or after that date.

What changes, and what doesn't

Most claims — including unfair dismissal, discrimination and pay or wages disputes: 3 months minus 1 day before the change; 6 months minus 1 day where the time limit starts on or after 1 October 2026.
Statutory redundancy pay and equal pay: already 6 months minus 1 day — no change.
Breach of contract (England & Wales): 6 months where the contract ends on or after 1 October 2026.
Breach of contract (Scotland): the change applies from 9 November 2026.

Which claims get the new 6-month limit?

The change is not backdated. The regulations say the extended limits do not apply where the "relevant date" is before 1 October 2026. Where a complaint is about a series of acts, the longer limit applies if the last act in the series is on or after 1 October 2026.

Illustrative examples, before any pause for Acas early conciliation:

Dismissal effective 20 September 2026: the old rule applies — 3 months minus 1 day, so the limit ends on 19 December 2026.
Dismissal effective 5 October 2026: the new rule applies — 6 months minus 1 day, so the limit ends on 4 April 2027.

Acas early conciliation still pauses the clock

Before most claims, the employee must notify Acas for early conciliation. Acas explains that when someone notifies Acas within their tribunal time limit, the time limit is paused until early conciliation ends. This rule is unchanged.

What this means for employers in practice

This is general information, not legal advice.

Keep your records long enough. A claim can now arrive up to about six months after a dismissal or other workplace decision, plus any early conciliation pause. Review how long you keep disciplinary, grievance, redundancy and dismissal paperwork so it's still available if a claim is brought.
Write things down as you go. Dated letters, meeting notes and outcome letters are what you rely on if a decision is challenged months later. Verstia's Disciplinary, Grievance and Redundancy process packs set out each letter in the order the process needs it.
Expect a longer period of uncertainty after a dismissal or dispute, and factor it into how you handle grievances and any settlement discussions.

Other Employment Rights Act 2025 dates to plan for

30 October 2026: employers must take "all reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment at work, and become liable for harassment of employees by third parties unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it.
1 January 2027: the qualifying period for unfair dismissal falls to 6 months, for dismissals from 1 January 2027.

Take the next step

Disciplinary Process Pack (England & Wales)Grievance Process Pack (England & Wales)Redundancy Process Pack (England & Wales)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 6-month limit apply to a dismissal in September 2026?: No. The longer limit only applies where the time limit starts on or after 1 October 2026. A dismissal that took effect before then keeps the 3-month limit.
Does the change apply in Scotland?: Yes, for most claims from 1 October 2026. For breach of contract claims in Scotland, the change applies from 9 November 2026.
Does it apply in Northern Ireland?: Northern Ireland has its own industrial tribunal system. The government says the change affects only a few specific Northern Ireland cases (national minimum wage, maritime labour and aviation working time).
Does Acas early conciliation still pause the time limit?: Yes. If the employee notifies Acas within the time limit, the limit is paused until early conciliation ends.
Have the time limits for redundancy pay and equal pay claims changed?: No. Those claims already had a limit of 6 months minus 1 day.

Sources

Every legal article is checked against the legislation and GOV.UK guidance available on its review date.

Disclaimer: This article covers England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland has its own industrial tribunal rules. It provides general information only. It is not legal advice, should not be relied on as a substitute for advice on your specific circumstances, and does not create a solicitor–client relationship. The law changes — always check the current position on GOV.UK and Acas.