Changes to Sponsor Right to Work Checks: March & April 2026
Right to Work Duties Expanded in Sponsor Guidance Recent updates to Home Office sponsor guidance in March and April 2026 have changed sponsor licence holders’ right to work responsibilities. While the underlying statutory framework under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 has not been amended, (as yet at least), the sponsor guidance […]
EU Settlement Scheme Automated Grants & Removals Clarified
Changes to EU Settlement Scheme Status Checks The Home Office is refining its automated processes to assess whether individuals with pre-settled status remain resident in the UK. The system now draws on tax and benefits data, alongside travel information, to identify whether there is sufficient evidence of UK-based activity. As part of this, […]
Further 24-Month Extensionfor Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme: Further 24-Month Extension Introduced The Home Office has introduced a further extension under the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, allowing eligible individuals to apply for an additional 24 months’ leave from 8 April 2026. It means that individuals can now hold permission under the scheme for up to three and […]
UK Visa Fees 2026: Full Costs & April Increases
Section A: UK Visa Fee Increases April 2026 Most UK visa fees increased from 8 April 2026, affecting applications across work, study and settlement routes. Skilled Worker visa fees rose for both overseas and in-country applications, with higher charges applying depending on the length of sponsorship. Student visa fees increased from £524 to […]
Tribunal Compensation Cap Increases from 6 April 2026
Employment Tribunal Compensation Caps from 6 April 2026 The government has confirmed the annual uprating of statutory compensation limits under the Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2026. The changes take effect for dismissals where the effective date of termination falls on or after 6 April 2026. The maximum compensatory award for unfair […]
SSP 2026: Increase from 6 April
How much is SSP 2026 a week? From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay rate (SSP) increases to £123.25 per week. The £123.25 figure is the maximum weekly amount payable. SSP is calculated at 80% of the employee’s Average Weekly Earnings, subject to a maximum equal to the statutory weekly rate. This means […]
Brexit Visas: UK-EU Youth Scheme Negotiations Stall
Brexit visas in discussion The term “Brexit visas” is being used to describe potential new mobility arrangements between the UK and EU following the end of free movement. The UK and the EU are currently in discussions over a proposed youth mobility scheme that would allow young people to live, work and study […]
Employment Case Law Update March 2026
Employment law changes in April 2026 April 2026 brings a set of employment law changes that materially affect how employers manage risk across the employment lifecycle, particularly at the point of hire and during early employment. Several statutory rights now apply from day one, including Statutory Sick Pay, paternity leave and unpaid parental […]
Employment Law Changes in April 2026
Employment law changes in April 2026 April 2026 marks a key implementation point for a number of employment law reforms introduced through commencement regulations under the Employment Rights Act 2025, alongside the annual uprating of statutory rates. The changes take effect primarily from 6 and 7 April 2026 and introduce immediate operational and […]
UK Visa Brake: What Is It & How Does It Work? (2026)
Section A: What is a UK visa brake? A “visa brake” is a government policy that restricts certain visa applications for specific nationalities and immigration routes. When a visa brake is applied, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will refuse applications for the affected visa routes if the main applicant holds a nationality listed […]