Employers May Have to Offer Four-Day Week
The UK government is considering plans to allow workers to request a four-day working week. This proposal would enable employees to compress their full working hours into fewer days, while still receiving their regular pay. Four-Day Working Week Proposals Currently, UK workers have the right to request flexible working arrangements, but employers are […]
Next Loses Equal Pay Tribunal Claim
Next store workers have been successful in their equal pay claims after comparing their roles with those of warehouse workers, raising a number of potential implications for employers. Background to the Claim A group of predominantly female store-based workers at Next filed an equal pay claim, arguing that their work as retail assistants […]
Home Office Clarifies Discrepancy in Going Rate Guidance
The Home Office has addressed a discrepancy between the salary rates for certain roles listed in the “Skilled Worker visa: going rates for eligible occupation codes” guidance and the rates in the Immigration Rules. In July 2024, the Home Office updated its guidance on salary rates for roles eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route, […]
Home Office Latest Illegal Working Clampdown
The UK government has unveiled new measures aimed at enhancing border security, focusing largely on employers hiring illegal workers and disrupting organised immigration crime. Illegal Working Under the Spotlight In a statement published on 21 August 2024, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the immediate recruitment of up to 100 specialist intelligence and investigation […]
Proposals for New ‘Right to Switch Off’
The UK government is considering implementing a right to switch off, a policy designed to protect employees from being expected to engage in work-related communications outside of their agreed working hours. The measure aims to improve work-life balance, reduce stress and prevent burnout by ensuring that employees can disconnect from work without fear of negative […]
UK General Election Manifesto: Summary for Employers
Ahead of the UK General Election on 4 July 2024, the following summary for employers sets out the manifesto pledges of the main parties in relation to employment and immigration law. Labour Party Employment The Labour Party’s employment plans are detailed in Labour’s “Plan to Make Work Pay: Delivering a New Deal for […]
Care Home Sponsor Licence Revocation Overturned on Judicial Review
As the Home Office continues its heightened scrutiny of the health and social care sector, the recent Judicial Review case of New Hope Care Ltd v Secretary of State for the Home Department will be of interest to care providers – as well as sponsor licence holders in other industries – where procedural failings have […]
Government Responds to MAC Review into Graduate Route
The Home Office has issued a statement responding to the MAC’s rapid review into the UK Graduate Route, which recommended retaining the route, citing no evidence of misuse of this visa category. While the statement does not explicitly endorse the Graduate Route, the Home Office confirms that it will remain open, but would be kept under […]
Updated Absence Rule for EU Settled and Pre Settled Status Holders
The Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) (Amendment) Order 2024 (SI 2024/663) simplifies the rules for how long certain EU citizens can stay outside the UK without their immigration permission expiring. Updated Absence Rules for EUSS Under the new rules, from 21 May 2024, those with either pre-settled or settled status under the […]
Increase in Free UKVI Appointments
The number of free appointments available at Sopra Steria Centres has been increased. The change applies to all centres, except for premium centres. Update in Free Appointment Availability The updated booking calendar now shows 28 days of appointments, with both free and chargeable appointments. A new date is added each day. Free appointments […]