Insights

The Sponsor Guidance was updated on 28 August 2026, introducing important changes to the operation of the Sponsor Management System (SMS). These updates include the implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA), the phasing out of Level 2 users, and new policies addressing SMS inactivity. This article explores these key changes and their implications for your business and sponsor licence compliance.

September marks 12 months since the failure to prevent fraud offence came into force. If your organisation falls within scope, this is a useful opportunity to step back and consider whether the fraud prevention measures put in place before September 2025 remain effective and appropriate.

The EAT has held that the existence of significant factual disputes does not, by itself, prevent a claimant from establishing that they have a sufficiently strong case to obtain interim relief.

The Government has launched a consultation on a revised statutory Code of Practice on Fair and Transparent Distribution of Tips, reflecting new requirements under the Employment Rights Act 2025. The consultation closes on 29 September 2026.

The EAT has confirmed that a consent order requires both parties to consent at the time the order is made. A party’s earlier consent is insufficient if it has been withdrawn when the order is made.

The Supreme Court has confirmed that part-time workers can bring a claim under the Part-time Workers Regulations where their part-time status is an effective cause of less favourable treatment: it does not have to be the sole cause. This significant judgment resolves previous conflicting case law.