Free tool · England & Wales
Employment tribunal time-limit calculator
Find the last day to bring most employment tribunal claims, and see how Acas early conciliation moves it.
For unfair dismissal, use the effective date of termination. For discrimination, use the most recent act in your claim.
This calculator is general information, not legal advice, and cannot account for every kind of claim or every exception. Some claim types (for example certain trade union and TUPE complaints) start the clock from a different date set out in the transitional rules, so the 3- or 6-month choice may differ for them. Only a tribunal can decide whether a claim is in time. If the date is close, act now.
How the calculation works
- The usual limit is 3 months less one day, or 6 months less one day where the act (or, for unfair dismissal, the effective date of termination) is on or after 1 October 2026.
- The deadline is 11:59pm on the last day. If the act is on the 31st and the target month is shorter, the calculator shows the earlier, safer date.
- If you notified Acas within the time limit, the days between notifying Acas and receiving the certificate are not counted, and you have at least one month after the certificate (section 207B, Employment Rights Act 1996).
Read more in our guides to employment tribunal time limits and Acas early conciliation, or see employment tribunal preparation support.
Questions
How long do I have to bring an employment tribunal claim?
Usually 6 months less one day if the problem happened on or after 1 October 2026, or 3 months less one day if it happened before that date. For unfair dismissal the date is the effective date of termination.
How does Acas early conciliation change the deadline?
If you notify Acas within the original time limit, the days from the day after you notified Acas until you receive the certificate are not counted, and you will have at least one month after receiving the certificate.
Does a grievance or appeal stop the clock?
No. Acas says raising the problem with your employer does not change the time limit.
Is the calculator legal advice?
No. It is general information based on the rules as published by GOV.UK, Acas and legislation.gov.uk. It uses the usual starting date (the act complained of, or the end of employment for dismissal); a few claim types use a different date under the transitional rules. Only a tribunal can decide whether a claim is in time.
Official sources
Next step
Deadline close? Talk it through.
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