The U.K. government has announced significant changes to employment and immigration law. Many will not take effect until 2026 at the earliest; however, there are some important things to be aware of over the coming year.
As of Jan. 20, employment tribunals can adjust protective awards by up to 25% if a party has unreasonably failed to comply with the statutory Code of Practice on dismissal and re-engagement.
April will see the annual national minimum wage and statutory rate increases, with the national living wage set to rise to 12.21 pounds per hour. A new right to up to 12 weeks’ neonatal care leave and pay will be introduced as of April 6. Bereaved fathers/partners will get the right to extended paternity leave during the first year of the child’s life if the mother (or a primary adopter) dies — this is expected to take effect in April but has not yet been confirmed.
As of April 2, nonvisa EU nationals, except for Irish citizens, will have to apply and be granted an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before traveling to the U.K. (Others who do not need a visa to enter as a visitor are already required to obtain an ETA.) The government also intends to publish a white paper setting out plans to reduce net migration, reform the points-based immigration system, and ensure that visa routes come with expectations to train domestic workers.
The Employment Rights Bill is expected to be passed later in 2025. At that time, the requirement for certain sectors to operate a...
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