Time limits


A claim for unfair dismissal must be issued in the employment tribunal (industrial tribunal in Northern Ireland) no later than three months (less one day) from the effective date of dismissal (EDT — see page 293). 


The first step in all claims (except a claim for interim relief — see page 297) is to submit a completed Acas Early Conciliation (EC) form (see page 391). A similar system applies in Northern Ireland, where EC is carried out by the Labour Relations Agency (LRA). 


This mandatory step must be taken within the normal tribunal time limit. Once Acas receives an employee’s EC notification, the limitation date is extended by a standard six weeks so there is enough time for conciliation to take place, with a possible extension of a further two weeks. For information on bringing an employment tribunal claim, including how to calculate the three-month period and complete an Acas EC, see Chapter 16.


There is no upper or lower age limit on the right to claim unfair dismissal.


As mentioned above, employment tribunal (ET) time limits will be increased from three to six months in October 2026 through provisions in the Employment Rights Bill.