Do not miss the filing window

Employment Tribunal Time Limit Calculator

This page explains how tribunal time limits are usually calculated and points you to a case review if your deadline is close or complicated.

The usual rule

Acas states that in most cases you have 3 months minus 1 day from the date the problem at work happened. GOV.UK explains that the period is put on hold while Acas helps resolve the dispute.

Dates you need

You need the dismissal date or act date, the date you notified Acas, the date the Acas certificate was issued and any continuing act arguments.

Urgent warning

If you are close to the deadline, do not wait for perfect advice. Get the date checked immediately and preserve your position.

Deadline calculation warning

The usual 3 months less 1 day rule sounds simple, but Acas early conciliation can alter the final date. Multiple incidents, continuing acts, dismissal dates and certificate dates can make the answer less obvious.

Information needed for a deadline review

You need the act or dismissal date, Acas notification date, Acas certificate date, whether the same respondent was named correctly and whether there are multiple claims with different dates.

What to do if close to time

If the deadline is close, prioritise preserving the claim. Do not spend days perfecting evidence while the filing window expires. Get the ET1 route checked urgently.

Official sources

Questions people ask

Can Acas extend time if I start late:
Starting Acas after the primary time limit can be risky and may not save the claim.
Is the calculator legal advice:
No. It is guidance. Complex dates need a case-specific review.
Is the deadline always 3 months less 1 day:
That is the usual rule for many claims, but there are exceptions and Acas early conciliation can change the final filing date.
Can the tribunal extend time:
Sometimes, but extensions are risky and fact-specific. It is better not to need one.

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