New Fire & Rehire Code of Practice in Force
A new Statutory Code of Practice on Fire and Rehire took effect on 18 July 2024. Formally known as the Statutory Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-engagement, the new guidance now has to be taken into account by employment tribunals on relevant cases, such as unfair dismissal claims. It’s important to note that this […]
King’s Speech 2024: Employment Law Reforms
During the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July 2024, the first since the latest UK general election, the King delivered a speech setting out the new Government’s legislative priorities for the coming months. The speech and accompanying memorandum included 40 bills, with two relating to employment law: the Employment Rights Bill and the Equality […]
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 […]
Government Opens Consultation on Changes to 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 […]
Updated Creative Worker Sponsor Guidance May 2024
The guidance for Creative Worker sponsors has been revised to align with the changes to the Immigration Rules effective from 16 May 2024, as outlined in Statement of Changes HC 590. Revisions to Sponsor Guidance Key updates include the removal of references to shortage occupations and resident labour market testing, as well as […]
MAC Publishes Report into UK Graduate Route
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) today published its much-anticipated rapid review of the Graduate Route. Also referred to as the ‘post-study work visa’, the Graduate Route allows international students who graduate from UK universities to stay and work for up to two years after completing their studies, or up to three years following a PhD […]