From 1 October, 2026, the general Employment Tribunal time limit increases to six months less one day.
Discrimination claims must normally be presented to an Employment Tribunal within:
- General rule: 6 months less 1 day from the act or omission complained of.
- Summary dismissal: 6 months less 1 day from the date employment terminated.
- Dismissal with notice: 6 months less 1 day from the date the notice expired.
- Constructive dismissal: 6 months less 1 day from the date of resignation, or from the date the notice expired.
- Failed promotion: 6 months less 1 day from the employer's decision.
- Continuing act of discrimination: 6 months less 1 day from the last act in the series.
- Failure to make reasonable adjustments: 6 months less 1 day from the decision to do nothing, or from the expiry of a period within which the employer might reasonably have been expected to do something.
Important: The new 6‑month time limit applies only where the act, omission or last act complained of occurs on or after 1 October 2026. Claims relating entirely to events before that date remain subject to the previous 3 months less 1 day time limit.
Acas Early Conciliation continues to affect the calculation of tribunal time limits and deadlines should always be checked carefully.
If you believe you have been discriminated against at work, contact the NEU Adviceline without delay.
Call us on 0345 811 8111 or email us at [email protected].