The Government recently published an updated implementation timetable for the Act and employers and HR professionals need to be aware that a wide range of measures come into effect in October 2026. Understanding the imminent changes and their implications is crucial.

In our previous article, we provided an overview of the updated implementation timetable and considered the wide range of trade union measures coming into effect on 25 August and 30 October 2026.

In this article we consider the other significant changes taking effect in October 2026 and highlight two recent consultations relevant to the Act’s future developments.

October 2026 implementation

Extension of Employment Tribunal time limits

At the moment, most Employment Tribunal claims must be brought within three months but this time limit will be increased to six months on 1 October 2026.

It is important to be aware of the transitional provisions whereby the six months’ time limit will only apply where the “relevant date” is on or after 1 October 2026. The “relevant date” will be the date where the act or failure to act, to which the complaint relates, occurs on or after 1 October 2026. Where the complaint relates to a series of acts or failures to act, the extended time limit will only apply where the last of those acts or failures occurs on or after 1 October 2026.

Note that for breach of employment contract claims in Scotland the change will take place on 9 November 2026.

There is concern that extension of...

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