Updates

Government publishes new guidance for employers on implementing equality action plans

Under the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”), large employers (i.e. those with 250 or more employees), are being encouraged to develop and publish equality action plans on a voluntary basis from 6 April 2026, and will be required to produce these on a mandatory basis from April 2027. These equality action plans must show …
Read more

A guide for owner-managed businesses: Succession planning

Succession planning is a strategic priority for owner-managed businesses. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, stepping back from operations or simply thinking ahead, a clear plan helps protect your business, preserve its value and ensure continuity. Unlike larger corporates, owner-managed businesses are often shaped around the founder’s vision, relationships and leadership style. This personal imprint can …
Read more

UK Government announces updates to Immigration, Nationality and Passport Fee Changes from 8 April 2026

From 8 April 2026, a host of changes to UK immigration, nationality and passport fees will take effect, impacting applicants across various categories. Organisations sponsoring workers will need to adjust their recruitment budgets, while individuals will have to plan their finances accordingly. This is part of a drive for migration and borders operations to be …
Read more

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 …
Read more

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 …
Read more

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 …
Read more

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 …
Read more

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 …
Read more

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 …
Read more

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 …
Read more

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 …
Read more

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 …
Read more