Independent, practical help for litigants in person in England & Wales.
Written by John Barwell
With the Acas early conciliation period now able to run to twelve weeks, the tribunal deadline is a computed date, not a guessed one. This worked-arithmetic guide runs three fact patterns – unfair dismissal, discrimination and unpaid wages – through the Day A and Day B rules, shows exactly where the one-month floor bites, and sets out the calendar discipline a claimant needs, including what changes when six-month limits arrive on 1 October 2026.
Written by John Barwell
The structural reform campaigners proposed has not happened: the Office of the Whistleblower Bill fell when the 2024–26 session ended, and no whistleblowing bill is before the current Parliament. But the law has not stood still — sexual harassment is now an express qualifying disclosure, the prescribed-persons list has been expanded twice, and tribunal time limits are about to double. An evidence-led state of play, measured against what reformers asked for.
Written by John Barwell
Nine months after Royal Assent, the Employment Rights Act 2025 is a half-built statute. Tribunal time limits double on 1 October 2026, but the unfair dismissal changes do not begin until January 2027 — and for dismissal the test is the date the employment ends, not the day the decision is announced. A state-of-play guide to what is in force, what is not, and how to time a claim in the overlap.
Written by John Barwell
Do not assume you have six months to bring an Employment Tribunal claim. Current time limits, Acas early conciliation and interim relief still need urgent case-specific checking.
