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Sponsor compliance: hot topics and trends from the first half of 2026

Employer and sponsor immigration compliance is becoming more interventionist. The Home Office has strengthened sponsor guidance, lowered the practical threshold for action and is using more data matching, remote checks and targeted information requests. For sponsors, compliance should be treated as an ongoing governance risk, not revisited haphazardly. The key trend is a move from …
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OfS revises freedom of speech guidance following Sussex v OfS

On 5 August 2026, the Office for Students (OfS) has published revised regulatory guidance on freedom of speech and the incoming complaints scheme for higher education providers (HEPs). Influenced by de facto legislative changes since the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 was enacted, and the judgment in Sussex v OfS, the guidance now …
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UK right to work regime expands on 1 October 2026: what businesses should do now

From 1 October 2026, the Right to Work (RtW) regime expands beyond traditional employment to include worker contracts, individual sub‑contractors, and online matching services. This critical shift means civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker may extend beyond the direct employer and, in some circumstances, up the supply chain. To reduce this risk, …
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Beacon CRM cybersecurity incident: what charities should do now

Many charities will have seen reports this week of a cybersecurity incident affecting Beacon CRM, a widely used customer relationship management platform in the charity sector. According to Beacon, unauthorised access to its systems resulted in copies of customer database backups being obtained by a third party, potentially affecting data held on behalf of over …
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Update on SOC 3120 CAD, drawing and architectural technicians: MAC Stage 2 report on the Temporary Shortage List, published 23 July 2026

On 23 July 2026, the Migration Advisory Committee (‘MAC’) published its Stage 2 report on the Temporary Shortage List (‘TSL’), recommending which occupations should remain on the TSL after the current interim list expires on 31 December 2026. The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will be replaced by the TSL on 31 December 2026. The TSL …
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Bates Wells clients granted permission to take Public Order Act judicial review to Court

A judicial review challenge brought by Bates Wells clients Lawyers for Animals and Sole Iriart (a campaigner with Camp Beagle) has been granted permission to proceed to a full hearing. The claim argues that the Home Secretary’s designation of the life science sector – including animal testing facilities – as “key national infrastructure” under the …
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When is the right to be accompanied triggered? Reflections from Wolfe v Taka Mayfair Ltd

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) has handed down an important decision on the statutory right to be accompanied at disciplinary and grievance hearings. In Wolfe v Taka Mayfair Ltd [2026] EAT 106, the EAT confirmed that an employee cannot bring a claim for breach of section 10 of the Employment Relations Act 1999 (“the Act”) …
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Using AI may risk waiving confidentiality and legal privilege: lessons from English case law

Earlier this year, the Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber published its judgment on the use of AI and potential waiver of confidentiality and legal privilege. UK v Secretary of State for the Home Department (AI hallucinations; supervision; Hamid) [2026] UKUT 81 (IAC) concerned two joined cases that involved the use of AI by legal professionals …
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Panel event: The Economics of Circularity – Fashioning Sustainability for Business Longevity

As part of London Climate Action Week, Bates Wells, in partnership with DEPLOY – the highest scoring fashion B corp globally, convened a panel exploring one of the fashion industry’s most pressing challenges: how to turn circularity from ambition into commercially viable reality.The panel reflected a breadth of expertise across the value chain. Together, they …
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Getting your club ready for the IFR licensing regime: Key takeaways and next steps

Following our recent webinar on the Independent Football Regulator’s licensing regime, this article summarises the critical points that English men’s football clubs in the top five tiers need to understand and act upon now. Where we stand The IFR has completed its second consultation on the licensing regime with no fundamental changes to the proposed …
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EHRC Code of Practice coming into force on Wednesday 5 August

The new EHRC Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations comes into force on Wednesday 5 August. This updated Services Code will provide guidance on the application of the Equality Act 2010 in light of the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment For Women Scotland, which courts and tribunals must take into account when deciding claims …
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AI Impact: How should purpose-driven businesses consider the impact of their AI usage?

We regularly bring together people from across the impact space, including investors, B Corps, social enterprises, foundations and ecosystem support organisations, to discuss key themes of purpose-beyond-profit. At a recent roundtable, we explored how purpose-driven businesses can understand the risks and impacts of AI, and how in-house legal teams can develop strategies to support responsible …
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