UK–India Free Trade Agreement: Visa Implications
The United Kingdom and India have announced a new Free Trade Agreement, bringing three years of negotiations to an end. While much of the public attention has focused on tariffs and market access, the deal also introduces new provisions that will affect how UK employers recruit and engage skilled professionals from India. Among the most […]
Employment Case Law Update April 2025
Read on for our monthly digest for employers on upcoming employment law changes and key, recent employment tribunal cases. Legal definition of a ‘woman’ Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers In 2018, the Scottish Government enacted the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act, aiming to improve female representation on public […]
Stage Left: The Real Cost of Visa Politics in the UK
A hardline approach to immigration is hitting the UK’s live entertainment industry – and it’s to the detriment of us all. That’s why we’re sponsoring Liverpool-based arts and culture organisation Writing on the Wall, and specifically their annual festival, WoWFEST: 25 Years of Radical Writing. Through our involvement, we’re openly advocating for better UK-bound mobility […]
UK-EU Explore Possible New ‘Youth Experience Scheme’
The United Kingdom and the European Union look to be progressing towards establishing a reciprocal youth mobility programme, termed the “Youth Experience Scheme”. The scheme would have the aim of enhancing post-Brexit relations by facilitating cultural and professional exchanges for young adults. For employers, this new route could open up talent pipelines to young European […]
EHRC Issues Interim Guidance on Woman Definition Ruling
In response to the recent Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued interim guidance to help provide employers and other duty-bearers with some clarity on the practical implications of the decision. The interim guidance is to be followed by more in-depth […]
Legal Definition of a Woman is Based on Biological Sex: Employer Implications
The UK Supreme Court yesterday delivered a landmark ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, clarifying that under the Equality Act 2010, the terms “woman”, “man” and “sex” refer exclusively to biological sex. The ruling follows years of debate and legal uncertainty due to conflicting interpretations of whether “sex” in law should […]
International Recruitment Fund 2025/26: New Guidance
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued updated guidance for the £12.5 million International Recruitment Regional Fund for 2025–26, aimed at supporting migrant care workers affected by sponsor non-compliance or unethical practices. Key Objectives of the 2025–26 Fund The primary goals of the 2025–26 Fund for regional and sub-regional partnerships […]
Immigration Salary List 2025
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) outlines the salary thresholds required for various UK work visas, and is used as the benchmark to assess whether a job role meets the financial criteria for a Skilled Worker Visa or other sponsored work-based visa routes. The ISL replaced the Shortage Occupation List in April 2024, following recommendations by […]
Right to Work Share Code Guide 2025
Right to Work share codes were introduced in the UK to enable certain individuals to prove their immigration status and eligibility to work digitally. Under the prevention of illegal working regime in the UK, all employers must conduct prescribed right to work checks on anyone they employ. In some cases, they may even need to […]
UK Visa Fees 2025
The Home Office charges UK visa applicants fees to process their applications. How much you need to pay will depend on factors such as the type of visa you are applying for, how long the visa will be valid for, and where you are applying from. In addition to the visa fee, there may also […]