Apprenticeships 2026: Law, Rights and Employer Duties
Apprenticeships have become a central feature of workforce planning for UK employers, supported by government funding, structured training frameworks and a growing emphasis on skills development. When used properly, apprenticeships can provide a cost-effective and sustainable route to building talent pipelines while meeting business needs. When used incorrectly, they can expose employers to legal, financial […]
B2 English Test: Visa Applicant Guide 2026
Section A: What is the B2 English Test for UK Immigration? For UK immigration purposes, a B2 English test assesses upper-intermediate English language ability under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. At B2 level, an applicant is expected to communicate clearly and fluently in everyday and professional contexts, understand complex spoken […]
Apprenticeship Levy: Benefits & Challenges 2026
The apprenticeship landscape has changed significantly over recent years, providing greater opportunities for individuals to combine work with study to gain skills and knowledge in a structured and regulated environment, and for businesses to benefit from recruiting, developing and retaining talent aligned to their operational needs. For UK employers, apprenticeships are no longer limited to […]
Taking on an Apprentice: Legal Considerations in 2026
Apprenticeships have become an increasingly popular option for UK employers looking to build skills within their workforce while managing recruitment costs and future talent needs. For many businesses, taking on an apprentice offers a practical way to address skills shortages, develop employees to meet specific operational requirements, and access government-backed training support. However, taking on […]
Right to Work Check: Employer Compliance Guide 2026
Section A: Right to Work Check Overview If you are hiring someone to work in the UK, of any nationality, you should work on the basis that a Right to Work check is needed before they can start employment with you. When employers carry out Right to Work checks in the correct manner, […]
Appendix Skilled Occupations: Guide 2026
Section A: What is Appendix Skilled Occupations? Appendix Skilled Occupations is an important reference point for occupation codes and going rates used across sponsored work routes, including Skilled Worker visa, Global Business Mobility and Scale Up routes. Each listed occupation is assigned a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, a going rate and skill […]
B1 English Test Guide: Visas, ILR & Citizenshipn 2026
Section A: B1 English Test for UKVI The phrase “B1 English test” is a shorthand used in UK immigration and nationality applications for proving English language ability at B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). B1 is an intermediate standard. It shows an applicant can follow clear, everyday […]
UK English Test for Citizenship: Applicant Guide 2026
Section A: English Language Requirement for British Citizenship The English language requirement for British citizenship is a statutory requirement in origin, but operationalised through regulations and guidance. It forms part of the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK framework. It applies to most applications for naturalisation and registration. The required English […]
SELT: UK Visa Applicant Guide 2026
Section A: What is SELT? A Secure English Language Test, usually shortened to SELT, is an English language test that UK Visas and Immigration recognises for certain immigration and nationality applications. A SELT is not a universal requirement across all routes. It is one permitted way of meeting an English language requirement where […]