Employment decisions can remain open to challenge for longer under the new tribunal deadlines. For employers, that makes clear records and consistent processes more important than ever.
What has changed?
- For most employment tribunal claims in Great Britain arising from events on or after 1 October 2026, the standard time limit increased from three months minus one day to six months minus one day.
- Separately, the maximum Acas early conciliation period increased from six to twelve weeks for notifications submitted on or after 1 December 2025. Notifying Acas within the applicable claim deadline pauses the time limit while early conciliation takes place.
The longer tribunal time limit does not generally apply retrospectively to events before 1 October 2026. Some claims have different deadlines, so the applicable time limit should always be checked.
A separate date applies to breach of contract claims in Scotland: the six-month time limit applies where the employment contract ends on or after 9 November 2026.
For employers, this means decisions, incidents and workplace processes may be challenged for longer. If a claim arises, you will need a clear, accessible record of what happened, what was decided and why.
What does this mean for your business?
A longer claims window makes reliable documentation more important than ever. Investigation notes, meeting records and the reasons behind employment decisions should be dated, consistent and easy to retrieve. Managers should also recognise that a complaint going quiet does not necessarily mean the matter is closed.
Practical steps for employers
- Strengthen record-keeping: review how employment, payroll and management records are documented and retained.
- Capture the reasoning: ensure grievance, disciplinary and performance records explain both the outcome and the rationale.
- Review retention policies: consider the longer period in which records may be needed, particularly where a dispute is anticipated, while continuing to meet data protection requirements.
- Brief line managers: explain the extended deadlines and reinforce the importance of handling concerns promptly.
- Check insurance requirements: if you hold employment practices liability insurance, review when and how potential claims must be notified.
The longer deadlines make it even more important to get employment processes right first time. Address concerns promptly, record the reasons behind key decisions and maintain a clear evidence trail so your business is better prepared if a dispute develops.
Sources: Acas – employment tribunal time limits; GOV.UK – employment tribunal time-limit changes; Explanatory memorandum – early conciliation changes.
