Insights

The EAT confirmed that the Joint Presidential Guidance on panel composition gives judges discretion to proceed without lay members, even in discrimination cases, where practical difficulties arise.

The decision provides useful guidance on the circumstances in which correspondence and other conduct can be taken into account when considering whether strike out is appropriate.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal has confirmed that an employee may recover no compensation for an unfair dismissal where their own conduct was wholly responsible for the dismissal and a fair procedure would have made no difference to the outcome.

From 1 October 2026, the UK's Right to Work Scheme will apply to a wider range of working arrangements.

The start of the 2026/27 academic year brings another substantial package of legal, regulatory and guidance changes for independent schools.

Some changes take effect from 1 September 2026 and require immediate action. Others are already in force but may require schools to revisit their policies and practice, while several significant reforms remain on the horizon.

We highlight some of the key areas independent schools should have on their radar as the new academic year begins.

The start of the 2026/27 academic year brings another substantial package of legal, regulatory and guidance changes for academies and maintained schools.

Some changes take effect from 1 September 2026, others have already come into force during the year, and a further programme of education reform remains on the horizon.

Against that backdrop, we highlight some of the key areas schools should prioritise as the new academic year begins.