Updates

Employment law changes in April 2026: what’s coming up?

From April 2026, as is the case each year, the Government will be increasing the level of employment-related statutory payments, as well as the compensation limits applicable to certain Employment Tribunal awards; roughly in line with inflation. In addition, this year, a number of provisions in the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA”) will be coming …
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Could withdrawing a job offer because of an applicant’s social media posts be discriminatory? Lessons from Ngole v Touchstone Leeds

Pre-employment checks are a crucial part of any recruitment process. But what happens when those checks uncover social media posts by a job applicant which the employer feels are controversial or offensive; or which might relate to a protected belief, but be in conflict with the protected characteristics of colleagues, clients and/or service users? Balancing …
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Managing financial difficulties as a charity: key takeaways

These are challenging times for charities with rising costs and increased demand for services and some may find themselves facing financial difficulties. Explore some of the next steps and key takeaways if your charity is looking for guidance on dealing with financial difficulties. This blog was co-written by Laura Soley (Partner, Bates Wells), Philip Kirkpatrick …
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Performance management, endometriosis and disability discrimination: lessons from Pal v Accenture (UK) Ltd

March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, which aims to highlight the condition that affects 1 in 10 women in the UK; in the hope of reducing the average diagnostic delay (currently 9 years), furthering research into causes and treatment, and supporting those with the (often debilitating) condition. The Employment Appeal Tribunal’s recent decision in Ms S …
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Charity trustees as whistleblowers – has the position changed? A review of Dr MacLennan v The British Psychological Society v Secretary of State for Business and Trade and the Charity Commission

In February 2026, the Employment Tribunal (“ET”) published its reconsidered judgment in the case of Dr Nigel MacLennan and the British Psychological Society (“BPS”), on the question of whether whistleblowing protections granted to employees and workers could extend to charity trustees. In light of the potential public policy ramifications of the principles being decided, both …
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An open goal? Elite sports and the new unfair dismissal regime

The Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”), which became law just before Christmas, will make significant changes to the law of unfair dismissal (“UD”); including by reducing the period of service required before an employee is protected, and lifting the statutory cap on the amount of compensation that can be awarded where a successful claim …
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Department for Education consultation on statutory guidance for ‘gender questioning’ children: call for responses

The Department for Education (DfE) has opened its annual consultation on updates to its “Keeping children safe in education” (KCSIE) statutory guidance, which will include a new section on ‘gender questioning’ children. Schools and colleges, teachers and leaders, parents and young people, charities and support groups, will have valuable experience and views, which may be …
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Home Office tightens sponsor licence rules: key Spring 2026 changes

The Home Office updated its sponsor compliance guidance on 6 March 2026, issuing new versions of the three Worker and Temporary Worker Sponsor Guidance documents, and of Appendix D and the Sponsor a Skilled Worker guidance. The changes signify a strengthening of the grounds under which the Home Office can take compliance action, which echoes …
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Bates Wells clients file judicial review challenge to Public Order Act regulations

Bates Wells clients Lawyers for Animals and Sole Iriart (a campaigner with Camp Beagle) have filed judicial review proceedings challenging the Home Secretary’s use of a “Henry VIII power” to designate the life science sector – including animal testing facilities – as “key national infrastructure” under the Public Order Act 2023. The designation means that …
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Global Instability and UK Immigration Options

In recent times, the world stage has been marked by significant upheaval, with political and economic tensions brewing across several continents. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and now the war with Iran, which is being felt throughout the Middle East, have all contributed to a sense of greater global instability, not least through rising …
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Lucy McLynn and Liz Racine discuss confidentiality and settlement agreements in Independent Schools magazine

Lucy McLynn and Liz Racine have been featured in the February issue of the Independent Schools Management, explaining to what extent independent schools are able to require confidentiality from departing employees, and how settlement agreements should now be approached. This article explores changes put forward in the Employment Rights Act 2025, considerations around the use …
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Key changes from the Spring Immigration Rule changes: insights and tips

The key changes include a raised minimum English language level for settlement in many categories, a visa brake on certain nationalities, and a tightening of Skilled Worker pay arrangements. The changes do not implement the earned settlement proposals. The Home Office published updates to the Immigration Rules on 5 March 2026. We take a look …
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