Articles

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

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.

From 30 October 2026, trade unions will have a new statutory right to access workplaces. We explain what employers need to do now to prepare, and why waiting for an access request to arrive could leave you at a disadvantage.

From 25 August 2026, trade unions can ballot members electronically, by hybrid methods, or in person at the workplace. Employers, particularly those facing the prospect of industrial action ballots, need to get to grips with the new rules quickly.

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 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.