The Workplace Relations Commission has a strict time limit for most complaints. Miss it and your claim is usually time-barred, even if the underlying issue is clear-cut. The most common mistake is starting the clock too late.
If you want the technical rules and calculator settings, see the Technical Reference page. For a worked example, the Employment Dispute scenario shows a full count.
The Standard 6-Month Rule (and why the date matters)
Most WRC complaints must be lodged within 6 months of the date of the contravention. That is the date the thing happened, not the date you realised it happened.
Typical claims covered by the 6-month limit include:
- Unfair dismissal
- Discrimination
- Payment of wages
- Organisation of Working Time issues
If the issue happened more than once, each instance can be treated as a separate contravention. That means one late instance does not save the earlier ones.
The 12-Month Extension (the bar is high)
The WRC can extend the limit to 12 months total if the complainant shows "reasonable cause". The burden is on the complainant.
What is not reasonable cause (based on WRC decisions):
- Not knowing the WRC existed
- Trying to resolve matters informally first
- Stress, busyness, or personal workload
Reasonable cause may include:
- Serious illness that prevented filing
- An employer actively misleading someone about their rights
Practical takeaway: assume you need to file within 6 months unless you have clear evidence of a genuine impediment.
Different Acts, Different Clocks
Common statutory time limits include:
- Unfair Dismissals Acts: 6 months from the effective date of dismissal (usually the date the notice ends).
- Payment of Wages Act: 6 months from the date of the deduction or non-payment.
- Employment Equality Acts: 6 months from the most recent discriminatory act.
- Redundancy Payments Act: 52 weeks (different statutory test).
When Does the Clock Start?
The trigger date is usually the date the event occurs:
- Dismissal: the effective termination date (not the date notice is given).
- Wages: the date the payment should have been made.
- Discrimination: the date of the act (or last act in a series).
- Constructive dismissal: the date the employee resigns.
Practical Tips That Save Claims
- File early, even if you are still in employment.
- Keep evidence of your submission date.
- Do not wait for internal grievances to finish.
- If unsure, file and let the WRC decide jurisdiction.
Need to count the date? Use the calculator to confirm the last possible day.
Try it -> Open the calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I submit a complaint while still employed?
A: Yes. You do not need to wait for employment to end.
Q: What if my employer disputes the dismissal date?
A: The WRC will decide the effective date of dismissal, but you should file
as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
Q: Do weekends and public holidays extend the 6 months?
A: No. The 6 months is a calendar period. Weekends and public holidays do not
pause it.
Q: Can I add claims after submitting?
A: It depends. New claims may be out of time if they fall outside the limit.
Sources & Further Reading:
- WRC Procedures for Employment and Equality Complaints
- Citizens Information - Employment Rights Complaints
- Workplace Relations Act 2015
- Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2015
Last updated: 26 January 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify deadlines with official sources before making critical decisions.