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’
Read our updated guide to the Youth Experience Scheme here >> 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 […]
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 […]
Increase in UK Visa Fees from 9 April 2025
From today, 9 April 2025, the UK Home Office has increased most immigration and nationality fees, affecting visa applicants, employers and sponsors. Key changes include a 120% rise in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee for Skilled Workers and Temporary Workers, and a 60% increase to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs. Most other application categories […]
New Right to Neonatal Care Leave & Pay
The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 has come into force today, 6 April 2025, introducing a new day-one employment entitlement to neonatal care leave. Statutory neonatal care pay will be available to eligible employees who meet service and earnings criteria. New neonatal care rights Previously, in the absence of specific leave […]
European Visitors Now Require ETA for UK
With effect from today, 2 April 2025, nationals of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK or to transit landside. The new requirement brings European travellers in line with other nationalities already subject to the UK’s new ETA permit system. The […]