Free UK employment calculator
Employment tribunal time limit calculator
Most tribunal claims now have six months less one day, not three. Pick the claim, enter the date it runs from, and see the last day to claim under the new and old rules, how Acas early conciliation extends it, and add the date to your calendar.
Figures checked 9 November 2026 · England, Wales and Scotland
Calculator
Where notice was given, usually the day the notice ran out, not the day it was given.
Acas early conciliation (optional)
Leave these blank if conciliation has not started.
Read more in Tribunal time limits doubled on 1 October 2026. For the date notice ends, use the notice period calculator. Equal pay and statutory redundancy pay claims have their own rules and are not covered here. This calculator covers England, Wales and Scotland, not Northern Ireland.
How it is worked out
Since 1 October 2026, most employment tribunal claims must be presented within six months less one day, not three months less one day. The change was made by section 152 of and Schedule 12 to the Employment Rights Act 2025, brought into force by SI 2026/954.
The old three month limit still applies where the "relevant date" for the claim fell before 1 October 2026 (SI 2026/954, reg 4). For unfair dismissal that is the effective date of termination. For discrimination it is the date of the act, or the end of conduct that carried on over a period. For breach of contract claims in Scotland, the change came later, on 9 November 2026 (SSI 2026/327).
A period of six months "beginning with" a date ends the day before the same date six months later. Where that month is shorter, we use the earlier date, to be safe.
Acas early conciliation adds time. The days from the day after Acas is contacted up to the day the certificate is received are not counted. If the limit would then fall within a month of the certificate, it runs to one month after the certificate instead (Employment Rights Act 1996, s207B; Equality Act 2010, s140B).
Worked example
Sam's employment ended on 15 October 2026. The six month limit applies, so the last day to claim unfair dismissal is 14 April 2027. Under the old rule it would have been 14 January 2027. If Sam contacts Acas on 1 March 2027 and receives the certificate on 12 April 2027, the 42 days in between are added back, giving 26 May 2027.
Questions employers ask
+How long does an employee have to bring a tribunal claim?
For most claims, six months less one day, where the date the claim runs from is on or after 1 October 2026. Before that date the limit was three months less one day. The change was made by Schedule 12 to the Employment Rights Act 2025, in force from 1 October 2026 (SI 2026/954).
+Does the six month limit apply to dismissals before 1 October 2026?
Not if the effective date of termination was before 1 October 2026: the old three month limit applies (SI 2026/954, reg 4). Where notice was given in September but ran out on or after 1 October, the effective date of termination is usually the end of the notice, so the six month limit applies.
+How does Acas early conciliation affect the time limit?
The days from the day after Acas is contacted up to the day the certificate is received are not counted. If the limit would then expire within a month after the certificate, it is extended to one month after the certificate (Employment Rights Act 1996, s207B; Equality Act 2010, s140B). Contacting Acas after the limit has passed does not revive it.
+What about breach of contract claims, such as unpaid notice pay?
In England and Wales the six month limit applies where the effective date of termination was on or after 1 October 2026 (SI 2026/759). In Scotland it applies where the effective date of termination was on or after 9 November 2026 (SSI 2026/327). Before those dates, three months.
+Can a tribunal accept a late claim?
Sometimes. For discrimination claims it can extend time where that is just and equitable (Equality Act 2010, s123(1)(b)). For unfair dismissal, deductions and detriment claims the test is stricter: it must not have been reasonably practicable to claim in time, and the claim must be brought within a reasonable further period. Never plan around a late claim being allowed.
+Is this calculator legal advice?
No. It gives an estimate to help you diarise. The right date depends on the facts, such as when an act or a series of acts ended, and some claims have their own rules. Check the date with a solicitor or HR adviser before relying on it.
Sources
- Employment Rights Act 2025, Schedule 12 (time limits extended to six months)
- SI 2026/954, regs 3 and 4 (in force 1 October 2026; relevant dates before then keep three months)
- Employment Rights Act 1996, s111 (unfair dismissal: six months from the effective date of termination)
- Equality Act 2010, s123 (time limits)
- Employment Rights Act 1996, s23 (unlawful deductions: time limit)
- Employment Rights Act 1996, s48 (detriment: time limit)
- SI 2026/759 (contract claims, England and Wales: six months where termination is on or after 1 October 2026)
- SSI 2026/327 (contract claims, Scotland: six months where termination is on or after 9 November 2026)
- Employment Rights Act 1996, s207B (extension for Acas early conciliation)
- Equality Act 2010, s140B (extension for Acas early conciliation)
- business.gov.uk: Employment tribunal time limits
This calculator gives a general estimate based on the law and statutory figures in force on 9 November 2026 for England, Wales and Scotland. It is not legal advice and does not take account of your contract, your policies or any special circumstances. Contractual terms can give more than the statutory minimum, never less. Northern Ireland has its own rules and limits and is not covered. Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere: the sums are done in your browser.