Resources

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Founders Series: Jessica Stack, Wavelength

We recently sat down with Jessica Stack, Co-founder of Wavelength. Wavelength is a UK based leadership development and executive education business with a global reach. It was fascinating to discuss Jessica’s journey, from the beginning of her journey in theatre set design, to the creation of Wavelength and her inspiring advice for up-and-coming founders. Jessica discusses her …
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Unusual use of powers: DCMS purports to change effect of Act of Parliament by commencement SI

On 14 November, Civil Society minister Stephanie Peacock signed a statutory instrument, to bring into force the beleaguered provisions on “ex gratia” moral payments in the Charities Act 2022 with effect from today, 27 November. The regulations exclude certain property in the collections of 16 statutory national museums and galleries – and in doing so …
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Update on the Employment Rights Bill: Parliamentary ping pong continues

The Employment Rights Bill (“ERB”) is still in the process of making its, rather torturous, way through Parliament; with the House of Commons and House of Lords remaining in disagreement over a number of key provisions. The Government began four ERB consultations in October On 23 October 2025, the Government began consultations in relation to …
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From merriment to misconduct: preventing sexual harassment in the workplace during the festive party season

The festive season is fast approaching, and many organisations will be in the midst of planning end of year parties for their staff before the holiday period starts. This is, for many, a time for celebration; during which employers reward their staff, and colleagues socialise in a more informal setting. That’s great! What’s the problem? …
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Top 5 tips for universities supporting Social Ventures 

On 9th October 2025, Bates Wells, in partnership with London Social Ventures (LSV), recently hosted an in-person panel event dedicated to exploring how universities can best support founders of social ventures. Bringing together university representatives, experienced founders, and sector experts, the event provided a platform for sharing practical insights and real-world experiences. With a lively …
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Government Opens Consultation on New ‘Earned Settlement’ Criteria

Last week, the Government published proposals on ‘earned settlement’. Under these proposals, the starting qualifying period for settlement for most migrants will increase from five to ten years. This period may be adjusted based on factors such as earnings and voluntary work. A public consultation has now been opened. The proposals appear driven by concerns …
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It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas…

The arrival of the festive season is usually a time for merriment but for employers it brings with it the challenges involved with sourcing additional staff. It’s important that you don’t let practices slip, otherwise, you may find yourselves in tricky situations. Here are our top tips for HR directors this festive season to help …
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Ex gratia payments – Charities Act 2022 changes coming into force

The Charity Commission has announced that the relaxations to the rules on ex gratia payments introduced in the Charities Act 2022 are – at long last – coming into force next week – on 27 November 2025.  An ex gratia payment is a payment (or giving up of an interest) which the charity doesn’t have …
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Bates Wells recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2026

Bates Wells has been named in The Times Best Law Firms 2026, commended for its work in administrative & public law, charities, employment, and immigration. The Times highlighted our work on the Football Governance Act, our advice to the ONE Campaign on challenging the government’s overseas aid cuts; and our groundbreaking work for House of …
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Performance management, procedural unfairness and deductions to compensation: lessons from Zen Internet Ltd v Stobart

The recent decision in Zen Internet Ltd v Stobart [2025] EAT 153 provides useful guidance for employers on the requirements of procedural fairness in a dismissal relating to poor performance (here, in the context of a senior executive). It also clarifies the timeframe within which the principle in Polkey v A.E. Dayton Services Ltd [1988] …
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Redundancy procedure: online HR1 submission mandatory from December 2025 for large scale redundancies

When an employer is proposing to make large scale redundancies (of 20 or more employees at one establishment, within a period of 90 days), it must comply with stringent statutory collective consultation rules. These include a requirement to notify the Secretary of State (via the Redundancy Payments Service) of the proposed redundancies in advance, on …
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Key immigration compliance trends for employers

On 28 October, the Home Office reported a record number of arrests for illegal working, reflecting a 63% increase in arrests and a 51% rise in visits over the past year. This initiative aligns with their objective to restore public confidence in the immigration system, with compliance efforts now also encompassing sponsors. This strategy is …
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