What is the deadline for et1 unlawful deduction from wages?
An unlawful deduction from wages claim must usually reach the Employment Tribunal within three months less one day from the date the wages were due. ACAS Early Conciliation can change the final date.
Calculate your deadline
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Worked example
- Example input
- 03/08/2026
- Expected result
- Monday 2 November 2026
The deduction was made on Monday 3 August 2026, before any ACAS adjustment.
The ordinary three-months-less-one-day period ends on 2 November. A series of deductions and ACAS Early Conciliation require their own facts.
How this deadline is counted
- Period
- Three calendar months less one day
- Trigger
- Date the wages were due or the deduction was made
- Direction
- Forward from the deduction date
- Counting method
- Calendar months, then subtract one day
The calendar-month calculation preserves the corresponding date where possible. The calculator shows any resulting month-end treatment.
Employment Rights Act 1996, section 23. Employment Rights Act 1996, section 23. Employment Tribunal Procedure Rules 2024 and cited statute checked 06/08/2026
Exceptions and matter facts
- A series of deductions has separate statutory treatment, including which deduction starts time and the applicable backstop.
- ACAS Early Conciliation changes the calculation. A late claim requires the statutory not-reasonably-practicable test to be considered.
Deadline Engine is calculation software, not legal advice. Check the current rule, any order and the facts before adding a date to your diary.