How long do I have to contact ACAS?
Acas states that time limits for employment tribunal claims increased from 3 months to 6 months on 1 October 2026. The 3 month limit may still apply to problems that started before 1 October 2026. Check your deadline early and seek advice.
ACAS Deadline Tracker
Use Belonge’s tracker below to keep track of your deadline.
Belonge provides this tool independently. It is not an official ACAS service. A tracker result does not confirm your claim is in time.
The tracker gives a guide date for a standard claim from a single event date. It does not cover claim types with different limits, and it does not calculate the later deadline for submitting a tribunal claim after an early conciliation certificate.
This page covers England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland uses a different process.
What affects your deadline
Time limits change from 1 October 2026
Acas states that time limits for employment tribunal claims increased from 3 months to 6 months on 1 October 2026. The 3 month limit may still apply to problems that started before 1 October 2026. Check your deadline early and seek advice.
Does a grievance or appeal extend my deadline?
No. A grievance, disciplinary process or appeal does not extend the time limit. Waiting for an outcome risks missing it.
Does early conciliation extend my tribunal deadline?
Notifying ACAS within the applicable time limit pauses it during early conciliation. Notification and submitting a tribunal claim are separate steps.
If you notified ACAS in time, you have at least one month from receiving the early conciliation certificate to submit your claim. Some cases allow longer. Do not assume the certificate gives everyone the same final deadline.
Do all employment claims have the same deadline?
No. Equal pay and statutory redundancy pay claims generally have six months minus one day. Interim relief applications have a seven day deadline.
What if my deadline has passed?
A tribunal decides if a late claim can proceed. Extensions are limited and depend on the claim and circumstances. Seek advice promptly.
Need advice before notifying ACAS or submitting your claim?
The date you enter matters. A dismissal letter, a series of incidents and an ACAS certificate raise different questions about which deadline applies.
In a Belonge Case Assessment, we review your relevant workplace correspondence and ACAS documents, identify potential claims and deadlines, and advise on the action to take. You receive a written report with findings and recommended actions.
£149 · One hour · Written report
Book a Case AssessmentUsing this tracker or booking an assessment does not notify ACAS or submit a tribunal claim. Do not delay a required submission while waiting for an appointment.