Illegal Immigrants: UK Rights, Removal & Work Rules 2026
Illegal immigrants is a phrase often used to describe people who are in the UK without valid immigration permission, but the term has no defined status in UK legislation. An individual’s immigration position depends on whether they hold valid leave to enter or remain and whether they are complying with the conditions attached to that […]
FLR IR: Extend Your Stay in 2026
Form FLR(IR) is used to apply to extend your stay in the UK if you fall within certain immigration categories that are not covered by other extension forms. You should make your extension application before your existing leave expires. A valid, in-time FLR(IR) application protects your position while a Home Office decision is pending, and […]
UK Ancestry Visa Renewal: Rules, Fees & ILR Options 2026
If your current permission under the UK Ancestry route is approaching expiry, you will need to decide whether to apply for a UK ancestry visa renewal or, if eligible, to apply for settlement. The Ancestry route permits extension from within the UK, provided you continue to meet the work and maintenance requirements. A UK ancestry […]
Tier 5 Visa UK in 2026: Temporary Routes Explained
Tier 5 visa is a legacy term that people still use for certain UK temporary work routes. The category is no longer labelled “Tier 5”, but the underlying routes continue under the modern “Temporary Work” headings and, separately, the Youth Mobility Scheme. The change in naming and route architecture took effect from 11 October 2021, […]
Workplace Harassment: Employer Liability, Duty & Claims 2026
Workplace harassment can amount to unlawful discrimination. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers can be held liable for harassment carried out by employees in the course of employment unless they can show they took all reasonable steps to prevent it. From 26 October 2024, employers also have a specific statutory duty to take reasonable steps […]
Voluntary Redundancy: Pay, Notice & Process Explained 2026
Voluntary redundancy is an option for employers to consider as an alternative to making compulsory redundancies. For employers, it is important to understand the legal and personnel issues of offering voluntary redundancy to avoid complaints and potential legal claims. In this guide, we explain what voluntary redundancy means and how it works in practice, as […]
Skilled Worker Visa Additional Work Rules 2026
Section A: When Can a Skilled Worker Take Additional Work? Under the immigration rules, a Skilled Worker visa holder can only take on additional work in limited circumstances. The Home Office distinguishes between supplementary employment and secondary employment, each with its own conditions and compliance implications. Employers should understand these distinctions before approving […]
India Young Professionals Scheme UK Ballot 2026
India Young Professionals Scheme UK Ballot Opening Dates for 2026 The next India Young Professionals Scheme ballot will open at 2:30pm India Standard Time on 17 February 2026 and will close at 2:30pm India Standard Time on 19 February 2026. Entries can be submitted at any point while the ballot window is open. […]
Overtime UK: Rules, Pay & 48-Hour Limits 2026
Overtime refers to the additional time employees work beyond their standard contracted hours. In workforce management terms, overtime helps employers meet operational demands, especially during peak periods or when deadlines are approaching, or to alleviate staffing issues. However, managing overtime requires careful consideration of legal regulations, employee wellbeing and cost implications. This guide provides UK […]
Overtime Tax UK: Is Overtime Taxed More? 2026
Overtime tax is one of the most misunderstood aspects of payroll management in the UK. Employees frequently believe overtime is “taxed more”, while employers and HR teams face recurring queries about fluctuating deductions, tax codes and National Insurance. In reality, overtime is not subject to a special tax rate. It is treated as ordinary earnings […]