Amber Shafi

Tribunals must help unrepresented claimants explain their claims but will not build their case, and a persistent refusal to cooperate can end the claim.

When a tribunal protects a child's identity, it must consider whether the child could still be identified through a parent's name.

Section 106 agreements, made under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, are an important part of the planning system. They allow local planning authorities (LPAs) to secure obligations from developers to make development acceptable in planning terms and commonly include affordable housing, financial contributions towards infrastructure and other measures to mitigate the impact of development.

Despite their underpinning role to the planning system, negotiating Section 106 agreements can be a lengthy and resource-intensive process, particularly for small and medium-sized developers.

Chancellor Healey stated on 28 October in the Autumn Budget 2026 that he would take measures to relieve the double taxation caused by inconsistent treatment of US limited liability companies ('LLCs') by the UK and the United States, as you may have seen. UK clients and friends are always to be rewarded when showing interest in the tax status of offshore entities, but these measures will not apply to UK charities. Also, LLCs are a rare US investment vehicle for UK charities.

One of the most common questions asked during divorce is whether it is better to retain the family home or a greater share of the pension. Whilst the question sounds straightforward, the answer rarely is.

Employers will have to show that dismissing an employee during the new protected period is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

Employers should investigate potential disabilities proportionately and ensure that discrimination allegations are assessed against the precise issues pleaded.

Last week's Budget brings several changes for employers, including higher minimum wage rates from April 2027, planned legislation on non-compete clauses and wider access to parental pay from 2029. There are also a number of updates to employment taxes and payroll.

The first Budget Statement of the Andy Burnham government was made on 28 October 2026 and included several significant business immigration announcements. These announcements are aimed at making it easier for employers to recruit and retain highly skilled international talent. The proposed reforms cover Skilled Worker salary thresholds, visa curtailment periods, graduate recruitment and the tax treatment of certain sponsorship costs.

Much of the detail, including eligibility criteria and implementation dates, is still to follow. Employers should therefore treat the announcements as an opportunity to review their workforce planning rather than make immediate changes.