Jemima Hynes

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.

The existing duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment is enhanced, so that employers must now take all reasonable steps, and a separate duty has been introduced in respect of harassment of employees by third parties such as clients and customers, which covers all types of harassment and not just sexual harassment. Unions can also seek access to workplaces and union officials have new rights to time off and facilities.

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.

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?