The employment tribunal time limit rises from three months to six on 1 October 2026

On 1 October 2026 the time limit for bringing most employment tribunal claims rises from three months to six months. Nothing about the underlying duties changes, only the window in which a claim can be brought.

The practical effect falls on records. A dispute an employer treated as closed at three months stays open for twice as long, and the evidence has to survive that long with it. The change covers England and Wales. Scotland picks up breach of contract claims separately on 9 November 2026.

Every employer in England and Wales

Every employer. The change doubles the exposure window on dismissals, discrimination and wages claims, which is most of what reaches a tribunal.

Adjusting record keeping to the longer window

• Extend document retention on dismissals, discrimination complaints and wages disputes to cover six months.
• Keep notes, meeting records and correspondence for each exit rather than clearing them at three months.
• Tell managers that a matter is not closed at the old three month point.
• Diarise 1 October 2026 as the date the longer limit starts.
• Read this date alongside the Scottish change on 9 November 2026 if you employ on both sides of the border.

Where the Employment Rights Act 2025 system fits

Tribunal time limits move under the Employment Rights Act 2025, which carries most of the autumn's employment changes.

Verified 19 August 2026.

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