1 October 2026
Employment Tribunal claims: the time limit for bringing most claims will increase from three months to six months. The ACAS conciliation period is now 12 weeks. Taking account of delays in Tribunals processing claim forms means claims may not be received by employers until sometimes a year after the event.
30 October 2026
- Sexual harassment: employers will be required to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.
- Third-party harassment: employers may be liable for harassment of workers by third parties unless all reasonable steps have been taken to prevent it. This is particularly relevant where staff interact with pupils, parents, contractors or members of the public.
1 January 2027
Unfair dismissal: the ordinary qualifying period will reduce from two years to six months. The statutory cap on compensatory awards will also be removed, although compensation will continue to reflect evidenced actual and future loss.
