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    Employment tribunal: time limits and first steps

    Written by Billy Kukadia · Last reviewed 23 October 2026

    Illustrative image: Billy Kukadia adding coloured tabs to a thick ring binder at a desk

    In short

    For problems on or after 1 October 2026, most claims have a limit of 6 months less one day; before that date, 3 months less one day.

    Notify Acas for early conciliation first. The clock pauses only if you contact Acas within the time limit.

    Check your own deadline with Acas as soon as possible. There are no tribunal fees at present.

    What you need

    Begin with a note of what happened and when. Put the date beside each event rather than keeping dates in your head. If the papers are scattered, bring the relevant letters and emails together before trying to write a complete account. A rough timeline is a useful place to start.

    Keep a separate note of anything you have already done about early conciliation. When you speak to Acas, explain the dates you have and ask about your own deadline. Do not assume that another person's deadline applies to you just because their workplace problem sounds similar.

    Have your questions written down for the call. The first question can simply be about time. Ask about the deadline before you sort the papers.

    Step by step

    1. Separate the date of the problem from today's date

      The change on 1 October 2026 depends on when the problem happened. Use the matching side of the time-limit summary above. Ask Acas about your deadline as soon as you can.

    2. Contact Acas for early conciliation

      You must normally notify Acas before making a claim. Make this call before polishing a long account of events. You can call the Acas helpline on 0300 123 1100, Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm.

    3. Put your account in date order

      Work through the letters and emails beside your timeline. Describe one event at a time in your own words. Keep rough notes separate from the version you want someone else to read, and check that the dates match the papers. You do not need elaborate language to explain what happened.

      If you raise a grievance, follow your employer's procedure, say what outcome you want and keep a copy. A grievance does not stop the tribunal clock, so contact Acas in time as well.

    4. Keep current rules and planned changes apart

      The planned change in the key dates box is not yet in force. Keep a qualifying period separate from the deadline for starting a claim.

    5. Read back before the next step

      Look at your timeline, the relevant papers and your notes from Acas together. If you are still unsure about a deadline, ask Acas promptly. There are no tribunal fees at present, but that does not remove the need to attend to dates. Keep preparation focused on your actual papers and the next step you need to take.

    Free help

    Acas is the starting point for early conciliation and questions about your own time limit. Have the dates beside you when you ring. Say what you are unsure about, even if you have not yet put the whole account into order.

    How we can help, and what we can't

    We can help organise a timeline, emails and documents, and prepare paperwork in your words for you to check. We are not solicitors or a law firm, cannot advise on the strength of your claim or settlement value, and do not decide your deadline. Our employment tribunal support page explains the practical preparation we can offer alongside your contact with Acas. Employment tribunal support.