How to deal with data subject access requests
Employees have the right to request and acquire a copy of their personal data kept by their employer or former employer. This is known as making a data subject access request (DSAR) under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). When dealing with subject access requests, employers have to ensure they comply with their compliance obligations […]
Consumer Watchdog Given Enhanced Powers to Tackle Rogue Trading
Enforcement of consumer law is being strengthened under new government plans announced today. A statement from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy issued today outlines new enhanced powers for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to be able to directly enforce consumer law, including the ability to fine firms up to 10% of […]
How to apply for a UK Travel Document
A valid passport is usually required for international travel and serves as an important form of official identification that is recognised around the world. However, some people cannot obtain a passport whilst they are living in the United Kingdom for a variety of reasons, such as refugees and stateless people. These individuals may be eligible […]
New High Potential Individual Visa Announced
With the upcoming introduction of the High Potential Individual visa, top global university graduates will soon be able to come to the UK under a brand new, unsponsored route. This visa will help top talent from around the world who demonstrate high potential to live and work in the UK, and realise their ambitions, and […]
“Apocalyptic” Legal Bill Leads Judge to Call for Limits to Divorce Legal Costs
Divorce legal costs have come under the spotlight as a Hight Court Judge expressed concern at the “apocalyptic” legal bill facing a divorcing couple. Mr Justice Mostyn is ruling on divorce proceedings between Russian businesswoman Alla Rakshina and her Greek ex-husband, Lazaros Xanthopoulos. The case, being heard in London, began on 21 September 2020 and […]
ILR Requirements for the UK
Foreign nationals in the United Kingdom on visas are subject to time limits on their permission to live in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This means that you are subject to immigration control and do not have all the rights and obligations of British citizens. An important step towards living in the United Kingdom […]
Form Set (O) for UK ILR
Foreign nationals living in the United Kingdom on various visas, including Skilled Worker Visas, Tier 1 Visas, and UK Ancestry Visas, are subject to time limits in line with their permission to live in the four nations. This means that you and your dependents are subject to immigration control and do not possess all the […]
How to make a UK passport application
Passports are an important indicator of national belonging for many people. They allow you to travel around the world, contain visas for staying in different countries, and serve as official proof of citizenship, political ties, and identity. British citizens and other categories of British individuals are issued British passports in line with their relevant British […]
Long Residence Guidance (Settle in the UK)
If you have lived in the UK with lawful status for more than 10 years, you may be eligible to apply to settle here, which is known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). In this long residence guidance, we explain the rules on ILR eligibility under the 10-year route, and the application process you will […]
Minimum Wage Rates & Other Statutory Payments 2022-2023
Changes have now taken effect relating to statutory employment payments. Employers must ensure they have taken action to ensure compliance, including reviewing and updating policies and documents, and adjusting statutory employment payments in line with the new applicable rates. Increase in statutory sick pay The weekly rate of statutory sick pay has increased from £96.35 […]
Digital Service Launched for Subject Access Requests to Ministry of Justice & Legal Aid Agency
A new digital service allowing individuals to request personal information held by the Legal Aid Agency and other parts of the Ministry of Justice is now available. In a statement on the UK government website, the Legal Aid Agency said the new online service had been designed to “improve user experience” for individuals making Subject […]
Redundancy notice period guide for managers
Employers making workers redundant have to follow a fair and lawful redundancy process. As part of this, employers must ensure affected workers are given their legal entitlement to redundancy notice and pay. Failing to meet your obligations can expose your organisation to claims for unfair dismissal. In this guide for employers, we explain the rules on […]
No Fault Divorce Now Allowed in England & Wales
From today, separating couples in England and Wales will no longer need to apportion blame as part of the legal divorce process. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act (2020) brings in the most far-reaching change in divorce laws in more than 50 years. Under the new no-fault divorce rules, either one or both of the […]
Redundancy Pay (How Much Are You Entitled To?)
If you are made redundant from your job, you may be eligible to receive redundancy pay. There are two types of redundancy payments: statutory and contractual. Statutory redundancy payments must be paid by employers to qualifying employees who are being made redundant. Contractual redundancy pay refers to any payment stated as a term within your […]
Increases to Statutory Employment Payments from April 2022
National minimum wage and other statutory rates of pay are set to change for the year April 2022-2023. Employers must ensure they adjust employee pay levels to comply with the new statutory rates. National minimum wage 2022-2023 From 1 April 2022, the following increases will apply: For workers aged 23 and over, the national living […]
Disqualification of Directors Explained
Directors of limited companies have to meet a number of legal duties. You can face disqualification from acting as a director if you have failed to meet these legal responsibilities by participating in unfit conduct, or wrongful or fraudulent trading. What are a director’s legal responsibilities? The Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 is the primary legislation […]
UK Removes All COVID Travel Restrictions
From 4am Friday 18 March 2022, travel into the UK will no be longer subject to COVID-19 restrictions. The UK Government has removed the requirement on passengers arriving into the UK to take a COVID test or to complete a passenger locator form. In addition, unvaccinated passengers no longer need to take a pre-departure test […]
UK Launches Ukraine Visa Schemes
The UK Government has launched a number of visa schemes in response to the humanitarian crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. ‘Homes for Ukraine’ local sponsorship scheme A new local sponsorship scheme has been launched for Ukrainians without any family ties to the UK. Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, sponsors such as communities, private […]
Ukraine Family Scheme Visa guide
The Ukraine family scheme visa was launched by the UK Government on 4 March 2022. The visa is open to Ukrainian family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to the UK or to extend their stay. What does the Ukraine family scheme visa allow? Under the visa, you […]
Divorce Portal to Close on 31 March as New System is Rolled Out
HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) will be closing the MyHMCTS portal from 31 March 2022 as new no-fault divorce rules take effect in England and Wales. A new system for applications is expected to be available on 6 April. In practical terms, the closure means that from 31 March to 5 April, the digital […]