The Employment Appeal Tribunal has confirmed that carers paid using direct payments under the Care Act 2014 are not automatically employees of the local authority.

On 10 July 2025, the Government published the first reading of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.  The Bill is intended to transfer power out of Westminster by devolving more powers to local government by making changes to democratic processes and funding streams.

The judgment considered a wide range of important issues including the continued use of the Waldram method to assess interference with light and the interaction with section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

Workplace Compass: As the government refines one of its flagship employment reforms, the latest amendments raise important questions for employers planning contractual change.

The Employment Rights Bill, introduced to Parliament on 10 October 2024, proposes significant reforms across various aspects of employment law. Below is a summary of key provisions, organised by topic:

Merger and acquisition activity in the independent schools sector has surged in 2024/25, marking an exceptional year.

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that the updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 will be published next month, and will come into force on 1 September 2025.

Home Office guidance for sponsors is to be updated on 1 September, requiring holders of student sponsor licences who use agents to recruit international students to be signed up to the Agent Quality Framework.

The Government has confirmed when the major changes will take effect, with phased implementation running into 2027. Independent schools now have a valuable opportunity to plan ahead.