278

of 500 signatures

To the UK Government

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are significant difficulties with bringing an Employment Tribunal claim for harassment or discrimination within the three-month time limit allowed. Temporary, emergency legislation should be introduced to alter this time limit:

Petition text

Dear UK Government,

Please protect workers who have suffered harassment and discrimination by temporarily extending the time limit for those claims to the Employment Tribunal from three to six months.

COVID-19 has seen an unprecedented shift in the British public's everyday priorities as we strive to ensure the health of our families, look after our children who are being home schooled as well as trying to continue work with safe social distancing measures.

The three-month time limit for bringing a discrimination or harassment claim is one of the shortest limitation periods for any kind of civil case. The argument for such a limit - that it encourages the prompt resolution of workplace disputes - cannot be maintained in current conditions. Please amend the time limit to at least six months during the pandemic.

Why is this important?


The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the difficulty for current and former workers to make claims for discrimination and harassment within the three-month time limit. On top of this, law firms and non-profit advice centres are furloughing staff and reducing services such as free drop-in clinics. As a result, many people might not even know they have only three months to start a claim.

We are seeing some employers use the pandemic to frustrate the Employment Tribunal process. It will be women and minorities who will lose out - especially if emergency measures are not taken.

A temporary extension to the time limits will make sure everyone can have enough time to challenge harassment and discrimination at work. Please sign the petition:

Sign the petition

Extend tribunal time limits during the pandemic

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