How long does an employment tribunal take to be heard in 2026?

Most straightforward unfair dismissal claims are now waiting 12 to 18 months from claim submission to final hearing, based on practitioner reports and coverage of the latest statistics. Multi-day discrimination hearings in London South are being listed into the first half of 2029. Preliminary hearings are often listed sooner.

Does the employment tribunal backlog give me more time to file my claim?

No. The backlog does not extend your time limit. If the dismissal or act you are complaining about happened before 1 October 2026, you are still on the three-month clock, and you must notify the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) for Early Conciliation within it.

How many employment tribunal cases are waiting in the UK?

Ministry of Justice figures published on 11 June 2026 show 531,000 open Employment Tribunal cases across England, Scotland and Wales at the end of the first quarter of 2026. That is a new record.

Can an employment tribunal case settle before the hearing?

Yes. Settlement can happen at any point before the final hearing, through an ACAS COT3 agreement or a directly negotiated agreement. A long wait gives both sides a reason to explore it.

Do I need a solicitor for an employment tribunal claim?

No. There is no requirement to use a solicitor, and many claimants represent themselves. The paperwork still matters: an ET1 claim form that misses a claim can be difficult to amend later.

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Employment Tribunal Claims Hit Record 531,000: What It Means If You Are Filing in 2026

A record 531,000 Employment Tribunal cases are open. How long you may wait for a hearing in 2026, and why the backlog does not give you m…