The UK Government has announced a series of immigration reforms that will reshape sponsorship costs, compliance obligations, visa eligibility and settlement pathways. These changes reflect a continued policy focus on reducing net migration and tightening employer responsibilities. Below we provide an overview of the key developments, the practical implications, and what employers should do now. […]
UK immigration update December 2025 Read More »
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has responded to the Treasury Committee on its non-financial misconduct (NFM) actions. The FCA is working with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on potential guidance on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. An FCA survey shows declining use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) since 2021, and this trend is
FCA responds to Committee recommendations in 2024 ‘Sexism in the City’ report Read More »
The government has issued a working paper seeking views on options to reform non-compete clauses in employment contracts, with the aim of boosting labour market dynamism, supporting innovation, reducing barriers to recruitment and protecting workers. The options considered are: Statutory limit on length (for example, 3 months, possibly varying by company size). Complete ban on
Working paper seeks views on options to reform non-competes in employment contracts Read More »
The government has issued two further consultation documents on aspects of the Employment Rights Bill (ERB), a consultation on a draft code of practice on electronic and workplace balloting for statutory union ballots, and the terms of reference for a review of employment rights of unpaid carers. Meanwhile, the parliamentary ping pong process on the
Employment Rights Bill: Latest developments Read More »
The government has published four consultation papers on the details of forthcoming changes in the Employment Rights Bill (ERB), which is expected to gain Royal Assent in the next few weeks. The consultation papers cover: Bereavement leave. Enhanced dismissal rights for pregnant women and new mothers. The duty to inform workers of their right to
On 14 October the Government published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (the Statement), impacting the Skilled Worker and other UK visa routes. The Statement implements further elements of the proposals set out in the Government’s White Paper published on 12 May 2025. The changes impacting Skilled Workers will take effect from 8
UK Immigration Update: Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules Read More »
The global immigration landscape is undergoing a major digital shift. Both the European Union and the United Kingdom are introducing new systems to modernize border control, enhance security, and streamline travel. Here’s what you need to know about the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), as well as the
The digital transformation of immigration: EES, ETIAS, and UK eVisas Read More »
Earlier this year, we published an article on the expansion of the illegal working regime to the gig economy. At that time, the Government had signalled its intention to close compliance gaps in modern labour models. Since then, the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025 has progressed through Parliament, and the latest updates confirm
On 1 September, the Government published a series of amendments to the Pension Schemes Bill 2025 (Bill). These amendments include new clauses implementing the Government’s promised remedy following the Court of Appeal decision in Virgin Media Ltd v NTL Pension Trustees. The remedy will enable trustees to obtain retrospective actuarial confirmation that historic changes to contracted-out
Virgin Media – legislative remedy (pensions) Read More »
The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) has almost completed the legislative process with the final report stage in the House of Lords scheduled for 3 September 2025. The ERB is likely to receive Royal Assent in the autumn and then there will be consultation about the content of secondary legislation and work will begin on supporting
Although not an employment case, this is one of the first court decisions dealing with transgender issues since the Supreme Court’s ruling in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers (FWS) in which the Supreme Court confirmed that words such as ‘sex’, ‘woman’, ‘male’, and ‘female’ in the Equality Act 2010 (EqA) referred exclusively to biological
As the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) approaches its final stages before Royal Assent, further amendments have been published. The government amendments, which will almost certainly be passed due to the size of the Labour majority, include the following significant changes: Confidentiality/Non-disclosure agreements Any provision in an agreement between an employer and a worker will be
On 1 July 2025 the Government published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (the Statement), impacting the Skilled Worker and other UK work visa routes. The Statement implements the initial tranche of reforms set out in the Government’s White Paper published on 12 May 2025. The changes will take effect from 22 July
Changes to Immigration Rules Read More »
The government has published its long-awaited indicative timetable for implementation of the Employment Right Bill (ERB), Implementing the Employment Rights Bill – Our roadmap for delivering change. The key takeaway is that many of the provisions of the ERB will not come into force until Autumn 2026 and beyond, including the ‘day 1’ right to
Timetable for implementation of the Employment Rights Bill published Read More »
The government has launched a comprehensive review of the system of parental leave and pay entitlement, publishing terms of reference for the review and a call for evidence. All current and upcoming parental leave and pay entitlements will be in scope of the review, namely: Maternity leave and pay. Paternity leave and pay. Adoption leave
Government launches review of parental leave regime Read More »