How long do I have to make an employment tribunal claim?

Employment tribunal claims are subject to strict time limits, and missing the deadline will usually result in your claim being rejected unless you can show it was not reasonably practicable to bring it in time (or, for discrimination claims, that it is just and equitable to extend time). For unfair dismissal and most other claims under the Employment Rights Act 1996, the time limit is three months less one day from the effective date of termination or the act complained of. For discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010, the time limit is three months less one day from the act of discrimination or, if it is part of a continuing act, from the last incident. For equal pay claims, the time limit is six months from the end of employment. Crucially, the time limit is automatically extended while ACAS early conciliation is taking place. The extension works by adding the number of days of the conciliation period to the original deadline, so you are not penalised for the time spent in conciliation. You should contact ACAS and submit your ET1 claim form as quickly as possible — do not wait until the last moment. If you think you may be close to the time limit, start the ACAS process immediately and seek legal advice. Employment law solicitors, Citizens Advice, and trade union representatives can help you present your claim within time.