UK Government’s AI Copyright Plans Face Growing Backlash from Creative Sector
The UK government is facing mounting criticism from leading figures in the creative industries over proposed reforms to copyright law that aim to support artificial intelligence (AI) development. Following a recent public consultation on “Copyright and Artificial Intelligence,” the government outlined its preferred approach: allowing AI developers to use copyrighted materials for training datasets under […]
Expansion of the Right to Work Scheme to Gig Economy
The government has introduced a new clause to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill that would significantly broaden the scope of the UK’s right to work regime. Under the proposed changes, right to work checks would be required not just for employees, but also for individuals engaged through non-traditional contracts, such as so-called gig […]
Right to Work Scheme to Expand Under Immigration Bill Reform
The UK government has introduced a clause to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill which would expand the scope of the right to work regime. If passed, the changes would require employers and other businesses to carry out right to work checks for individuals engaged under a broader range of working arrangements, including: […]
Recent Changes in Employment Law 2025
As we start the new year, the following is a round up of the key recent changes in employment law for employers, as well as a reminder of important upcoming changes. UK Minimum Wage to increase in April 2025 Each year, the government sets minimum wage rates based on the recommendations of the […]
IoD Publishes Proposed Code of Conduct for Directors
The Institute of Directors has released a consultation document on a proposed Code of Conduct for Directors. The Code aims to serve as a practical tool to aid directors in making improved decisions. It also offers organisational leaders a behavioural framework designed to build and sustain public trust in their business operations. The document was […]
Consultation to Relax Non-Financial Reporting for Medium-Sized Companies
The Government is currently consulting on proposed changes to the UK’s non-financial reporting regime, which aim to reduce the burden on medium-sized companies. A company qualifies as “medium-sized” in a financial year if it meets at least two of the following three criteria: a. Annual turnover exceeding £10.2m but not more than £36m. b. Balance […]
Draft Legislation to Protect Residential Addresses on Companies House
The Government has released draft regulations aimed at enhancing the protection of individuals’ usual residential addresses (URA) from being publicly accessible at Companies House. Under the new regulations, individuals would be allowed to suppress their URA from public view if it has previously been used as a company’s registered office address, a provision not currently […]
Companies House Issues Draft Rules for Director ID Verification
Companies House has unveiled draft rules concerning the identity verification of directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and others under forthcoming changes. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 amended the Companies Act 2006 and the Limited Partnerships Act 1907, introducing requirements for certain individuals to verify their identity. This applies to individual directors […]
Consultation Opens into TUPE and European Works Councils
The UK Government has launched a consultation regarding proposed amendments to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) and on plans to dismantle the legal framework governing European Works Councils. Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) The Government proposes to clarify the scope of TUPE, limiting the […]
March 2024: New Provisions In Force Under Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
In late October 2023, the Economic Crime and Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) was enacted, marking a significant reform in company law and the most substantial overhaul in the history of Companies House. The implementation of ECCTA’s measures will be phased and are contingent upon the enactment of secondary legislation. 1. New Provisions Effective From […]
Employment Tribunal Compensation Limits Increasing from 6 April
Increases in the maximum amount of compensation that can be awarded by the Employment Tribunals have been confirmed. Under the Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2024, the following limits will apply from 6 April 2024: Maximum compensatory award The maximum compensatory award rises from £105,707 to £115,115, allowing individuals to potentially recover higher compensation […]
New Holiday Pay Rules for 2024
The UK Government has issued new guidance on holiday pay aimed at simplifying calculations and clarifying entitlements, particularly for irregular hours and part-year workers. The Department for Business and Trade’s guidance on holiday pay and entitlement reforms outlines how employers should apply recent changes to the holiday pay provisions of the Working Time Regulations, as […]
Sponsor Licence Renewals Abolished from April 2024
The requirement for UK sponsors to renew their sponsor licence every four years is being abolished from April 2024, under new Home Office rules. In light of the changes, UK sponsor licences expiring on or after 6 April 2024 are now being automatically extended by 10 years. Licences that are automatically extended will not end […]
Company Law Reform: Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act Now In Force
After passing through parliament, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act has now become law. The Act aims to enhance measures against economic crime and increase transparency of corporate entities. It follows the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022, which enabled the government to impose sanctions more rapidly, established a register of overseas entities […]
ACAS Opens Consultation on Predictable Working
ACAS has launched a public consultation on its draft code of practice for responding to requests for a predictable work schedule. The draft statutory code outlines the procedures that employers must follow when responding to requests for more consistent working schedules or hours. These procedures include the practical considerations employers should take into account when […]
Care Workers Permitted to Pursue Unfair Dismissal Claim for Refusing Covid Jab
Three care workers who refused to have the Covid-19 vaccine have been given permission to continue their claims for unfair dismissal. Ms Dimitrova, Ms Chadwick and Ms Hussain were employed by UK care home provider Barchester Healthcare, which implemented a ‘no jab, no job’ policy within the organisation in 2021. The policy was in effect […]
MAC Recommends Reforms of UK Shortage Occupation List
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its latest review of the UK’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The review was originally commissioned in August 2022 and covers information from the MAC’s own research as well as input from wider stakeholder engagement through its Call for Evidence. In the report, published on 3 October 2023, the MAC […]
ICO Issues New Guidance on Workforce Monitoring
The UK’s data regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has issued new guidance for employers on monitoring workers and how this interacts with data protection. The guidance, “Employment practices and data protection − Monitoring workers“, highlights the imperative for employers to balance their legal obligations and their workers’ rights when implementing workforce monitoring. The new […]
New Right for Workers to Request Predictable Working Patterns in 2024
A new law designed to give workers on flexible or casual contracts more predictable working patterns has received Royal Assent. The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023, which is expected to come into force in Summer 2024, will afford workers such as temporary workers and those on zero hour contracts a new statutory right […]
Electronic Trade Documents Act Takes Effect
The Electronic Trade Documents Act (ETDA) takes effect today, 20 September 2023. Implementing detailed recommendations made by the Law Commission of England and Wales, the new law paves the way for the greater digitalisation of trade procedures by giving digital versions of key trade documents – including bills of lading – the same legal recognition as […]