Business sectors

On 4 December 2023, the Home Secretary unveiled a five-point plan designed to reduce immigration numbers and curb abuse of the immigration system.

The Court of Appeal has this week handed down its decision in Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council [2023] EWCA Civ 1416. This was effectively a test case which centred on whether or not unwilling parties can, in appropriate cases, be forced to engage in a "non-court based dispute resolution process".

The Christmas period is arguably the busiest time of year for retail businesses and the extra support from temporary workers, or 'Christmas temps' can be essential to handle the increase in workload, cover absences and meet increased business demand. However, it is important that employers are aware of the employment related rights and obligations that employing a Christmas temp involves.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (the Act) received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023 which brings in new provisions to tackle economic crime and create corporate transparency.  The Act is aimed at tackling abuse of corporate structures by introducing some major changes for companies.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, known as "Martyn's Law ", in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, will go before Parliament in the forthcoming session.

In his Autumn Statement, delivered on the 22nd of November 2023, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a number of changes that will impact employers as follows:

If you are a UK-based employer looking to hire skilled workers from overseas, you will need to apply for a sponsor licence.