Insights

The Government has confirmed plans for a new "Earned Settlement" system. The changes would replace the current five-year route to settlement for many migrant workers with a standard ten-year qualifying period, although some individuals could qualify after three or five years.

For employers, this could mean supporting some sponsored workers for longer, budgeting for additional visa applications and managing increased uncertainty among employees already planning for settlement.

This week (2-6 November 2026) marks Charity Fraud Awareness Week. VWV is proud to support the campaign and help charities reduce both the risk of fraud and its impact on their vital work.

The full facts of Sir Ranulph's situation are not known and will no doubt be the subject of further investigation and scrutiny. However, the circumstances described are not uncommon and raise questions that our Court of Protection team at VWV advises on regularly in practice. What happens where a loved one loses capacity and disagreements arise as to their financial or welfare arrangements?

The Government has published three linked updates on the Employment Rights Act 2025 fire and rehire reforms. The revised implementation timetable confirms when the protections will start; the consultation response clarifies which contractual changes will be covered; and a draft Code of Practice explains how employers should approach negotiations and any proposed dismissal and re-engagement.

Several reforms previously listed only as taking effect in 2027 now have confirmed dates, while timing for some measures remains under review.

Employers should ensure that any application to strike out a claim is justified by evidence and that less severe alternatives have been considered.