ET1 Deadline Checker

Enter your dismissal date. Get your exact ET1 filing deadline — including ACAS early conciliation time — in seconds.

ET1 Deadline Checker

⚠ Missing the 3-month deadline is the single most common reason valid claims are permanently lost. Employment tribunals have very limited power to extend it.

This is usually your last day of employment, or the date your notice expired. If you were dismissed without notice, it's the day you were told. If you're unsure, use the date you stopped receiving pay.

ACAS conciliation pauses the clock — adding that time to your deadline. If you haven't started yet, don't worry; the calculator will show your raw deadline.

Check your ACAS certificate email for the exact date.

Raw 3-month deadline

You still need to complete ACAS early conciliation first

You cannot file your ET1 without an ACAS EC certificate. Contact ACAS at

as soon as possible — early conciliation can take up to 6 weeks, which will be added to your deadline.

The standard deadline has passed

Employment tribunals can only extend the deadline if it was "not reasonably practicable" to file in time, and even then only by a short period. You should take urgent advice — some claims (discrimination, whistleblowing) use an "equitable" extension which is slightly more flexible. Don't assume it's too late without checking.

• For discrimination claims, the tribunal has discretion to extend where it is "just and equitable" to do so.
• For unfair dismissal, the test is stricter — "not reasonably practicable."
• If your EDT is disputed, the earlier date is safer to use for this calculation.
• This calculator is for guidance only. If you are close to your deadline, take legal advice immediately.

You know your deadline. Now build your claim.

Start My Claim guides you through your ET1, strategy, and supporting documents — free to start, no card required.

Common questions about ET1 deadlines

What is the 3-month time limit for employment tribunal claims?

Most employment tribunal claims must be filed within 3 months of the event you're complaining about — usually your last day of work for unfair dismissal, or the date of the discriminatory act. The 3-month period begins with (and includes) that date, so the final day to file is 3 months minus 1 day from your EDT.

Does ACAS early conciliation extend my deadline?

Yes. The limitation clock stops on the day ACAS receives your notification and restarts the day after your EC certificate is issued. That number of days is added onto your original 3-month deadline — so going through ACAS doesn't cost you time, it gives you more of it.

Can the deadline be extended?

Only in limited circumstances. For unfair dismissal, the tribunal can extend only if it was "not reasonably practicable" to file on time — this is a high bar. For discrimination claims the test is more flexible ("just and equitable"), but extension is never guaranteed. Don't rely on it.

What is the effective date of termination (EDT)?

Usually the last day you worked, or the date your statutory notice period expired (whichever is later). If you were dismissed without notice or pay in lieu, the EDT is the day you were dismissed. If you're unsure, use the earlier date — it's always safer.

I've missed the deadline. Is it over?

Not necessarily. Some claims (particularly discrimination) have more flexible extension rules. You should take advice urgently — many employment law solicitors offer free initial consultations. If your ACAS certificate date was wrong, or if you were given incorrect information about your rights, those can also be grounds to argue for an extension.