Long Term Sickness Absence: 2026 UK Employer Guide
Long-term sickness absence is one of the most sensitive and legally complex workforce issues UK employers face. While many absences begin as short-term illness, situations can quickly evolve into extended periods away from work, creating operational strain, financial cost and potential legal exposure. Handled poorly, long-term sickness absence can lead to unfair dismissal claims, disability […]
Managing Relationships at Work 2026 (UK Guide)
Managing relationships at work is not simply a matter of workplace culture or employee wellbeing. For UK employers, it is a matter of legal compliance, risk management and fair process. Interpersonal conflict, allegations of favouritism, romantic relationships between colleagues, or poorly handled disputes can all expose a business to claims under the Equality Act 2010, […]
Chinese Tour Group Visa UK (ADS) Rules 2026
Travelling to the United Kingdom as part of an organised tour group is possible for Chinese nationals under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) agreement between the UK and China. This route is commonly referred to as the “Chinese Tour Group visa”, but legally it is a Standard Visitor visa issued under the ADS scheme in […]
Terminating an Employee with Mental Health Issues UK
Workplace mental health cases are increasing in frequency, complexity and legal sensitivity. For HR professionals and business owners, terminating an employee with mental health issues is rarely a straightforward capability decision. It sits at the intersection of unfair dismissal law, disability discrimination risk, health and safety duties and commercial sustainability. Handled correctly, dismissal for mental […]
Salary Sacrifice Pensions Contributions: Changes to Impact Employers
Salary Sacrifice Pensions Contributions Changes 2029 From April 2029, only the first £2,000 of salary sacrifice pension contributions will remain exempt from National Insurance. HMRC estimates that 7.7 million employees use salary sacrifice, with around 3.3 million contributing more than £2,000 per year. The practical impact will depend on how employers adjust pay […]
UKVI Issues Urgent Warning Ahead of 25 Feb 2026 Digital Checks
25 February 2026 Changes From 25 February 2026, enhanced digital status checks will apply when travelling to or from the UK. Airlines will verify immigration status electronically against the document recorded in the UKVI account. If the passport number presented at check-in does not match the document linked to your digital status, the […]
Can International Students Start a Business in the UK? 2026 Guide
In most cases, anyone with a UK Student visa is not allowed to be self-employed or engage in business activity, including running a company, trading online or undertaking freelance work. The Immigration Rules prohibit business activity while studying, although there are lawful routes that allow entrepreneurship after graduation. This guide explains what is prohibited, what […]
EU Entry Exit System Problems: Half Term Disruption Expected
EU Entry Exit System Problems 2026 The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border management platform used across the Schengen Area to record the entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays, replacing manual passport stamping with biometric registration and electronic records. EES applies to third-country nationals entering the Schengen […]
Equal Opportunities Policy: What to Include (2026)
An equal opportunities policy is a core document for UK employers that supports compliance with the Equality Act 2010, reduces exposure to discrimination claims and provides a framework for fair decision-making across recruitment and employment. This guide explains the legal position, what a policy should contain, how to use a template effectively and the risks […]
Commonwealth Visa UK Options Explained 2026
The United Kingdom shares a unique and enduring bond with the Commonwealth, an association spanning 56 member countries. Linked historically through past British colonial governance or ties to the British Crown, this diverse international community epitomises cultural, social and economic collaboration. Commonwealth nationality alone does not, however, provide automatic permission to live or work in […]