New “Two-Tier Workforce” Rules Planned for Public Sector Contracts
The UK government, alongside the Scottish and Welsh governments, is preparing a new regulatory framework aimed at preventing the emergence of “two-tier workforces” in outsourced public services. The reforms are expected to be implemented under powers contained in the Employment Rights Act 2025 and are currently anticipated to take effect from October 2026. The measures […]
Gender Pay Gap & Menopause Policies: New Employer Duties Proposed
The UK government has announced new employer action plans designed to strengthen the existing gender pay gap reporting framework. The initiative forms part of the wider employment reforms linked to the Employment Rights Act 2025 and the government’s “Make Work Pay” programme. While the current system focuses on publishing pay data, the new framework is […]
Statutory Maternity Pay Evidence Rules Updated from April 2026
The government has introduced a small update to the rules governing evidence of pregnancy for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Maternity Allowance (MA) under the Social Security and Statutory Maternity Pay (Evidence of Pregnancy and Compensation of Employers) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/201). The Regulations amend several existing statutory instruments that govern how pregnancy is […]
Skilled Worker Visa Brake for Afghan Nationals
The UK government has introduced a new immigration control mechanism that prevents Afghan nationals from obtaining Skilled Worker visas from outside the UK under the new visa brake policy. From 12:01am on 26 March 2026, Skilled Worker visa applications made outside the UK by Afghan nationals will be refused. The rule applies regardless of whether […]
Skilled Worker Visa Pay Period Changes in April 2026
The UK government has introduced new payroll compliance provisions for the Skilled Worker visa route through the 5 March 2026 Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. The amendment inserts paragraph SW 14.3B into Appendix Skilled Worker and takes effect on 8 April 2026. The provision changes how the Home Office examines salary compliance for […]
Employees Stuck Overseas: What Should HR Do?
The current conflict in the Middle East has left some employees temporarily unable to return to the UK as planned. Airspace closures, suspended flights and changes to cruise itineraries are disrupting international travel routes with little warning, preventing individuals from leaving affected regions. Government travel advice is also rapidly changing. Employers and HR teams now […]
Industrial Action Reforms Now Live: Practical HR Guidance
On 18 February 2026, the first phase of reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025 took effect. The initial changes focus on industrial action and collective dispute procedure. For HR teams, the significance lies in how these amendments affect day-to-day dispute management, dismissal decisions and documentation standards. The reforms do not remove the statutory framework […]
UK ILR Earned Settlement Consultation Closes: HR Update
The Home Office consultation on the proposed earned settlement reforms closed on 12 February 2026. Around 130,000 responses were submitted. Ministers will now review those responses before publishing a formal position and laying a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. Although the detailed framework is still to be finalised, what is clear at this […]
Business Travel to UK: Stricter Rules from 25 February 2026
UK immigration status has always been relevant to employers, but from February 2026 it becomes a live operational risk for organisations with internationally-mobile staff. Expanded carrier checks mean immigration status is now being tested earlier and more rigidly, often before an employee even begins their journey to the UK. For employers, the consequence could be […]
Fire and Rehire Under Consultation: What HR Teams Need to Know
The Government has launched a consultation on how the new fire and rehire protections under the Employment Rights Act 2025 should apply to employment expenses, benefits and shift patterns. While the provisions are not yet in force, the fire and rehire consultation signals a significant shift in how contractual change will need to be handled […]