Employers should be aware that, from 1 October 2026, the time limit for bringing employment tribunal claims will increase from three months to six months.
Increased exposure
This change, driven by reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025 and related legislation, will apply to claims where the relevant act (or, where there is a series of acts, the last act) occurs on or after 1 October 2026. In practice, when taken together with the recent increase in the early conciliation period to 12 weeks, this means a significant extension of employers’ exposure to claims. It is likely to lead to more claims being issued and disputes remaining live for longer.
Action for employers
Employers should review their record‑keeping procedures and policies, ensuring key documents are retained for this longer period. Adding significant tribunal delays into the mix, employers will also need to think about keeping clear contemporaneous documentation to manage litigation that may take place a long time after the events in question.
The Employment Rights Act 2025
For more information about the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA) and the steps employers should take, see ERA bitesize webinars – key actions for employers which includes a link to our guide covering key changes, timelines and what your business should be doing now to prepare and manage risk.
