Extended tribunal time limits
At present, the time limit to bring most employment tribunal claims is three months. This will increase to six months – possibly from October 2026. A longer time limit gives more opportunity to resolve disputes before a claim is issued. This may support early discussions, settlement or alternative resolution.
However, the change is also likely to:
- Increase uncertainty for you as an employer
- Lead to a higher volume of tribunal claims, as employees will have more time to bring them; and
- Result in hearings taking place long after the events in question.
This can create practical challenges. Over time, memories fade and key witnesses may leave the organisation before a case is heard, which can make defending claims more difficult.
With longer time limits, it will be critical to address issues promptly to prevent them from escalating.
Whether the issue relates to conduct, performance, absence, or concerns raised by an employee informally or through a grievance, taking early action and legal advice can help reduce the risk of a claim being brought later.
We can support you by:
- Advising on how to manage and resolve workplace issues early
- Helping you handle grievances, disciplinary and performance concerns fairly and consistently
- Providing Back-to-Basics training to help line managers handle processes with confidence
- Supporting you at any stage of the employment tribunal process, from early conciliation through to final hearing.
