Workplace Compass: The Employment Rights Bill marks a significant shift in the UK workplace landscape. While much of the focus is on new rights for individual workers, there are wider implications for how organisations engage with their people and manage change.

2 July 2025 marks a significant moment in family law following the Supreme Court’s decision in Standish v Standish, a case that will shape the treatment of non-matrimonial property (NMP)and matrimonial property (MP) in financial cases, following a divorce.

The Law Commission has published its long-awaited report and Draft Wills Bill, proposing the most significant reforms to Wills law in nearly 200 years.

On 12 May 2025, the Government published a white paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System. The paper sets out a comprehensive plan to reduce net migration through a more restrictive and compliance-focused approach which will have far reaching implications for the higher education sector’s international offering.

Fraud is a hot topic right now for higher education institutions. Not only do students often find themselves as soft targets for fraud (ie 'money mules' or in relation to Authorised Push Payment/ APP fraud), but the institution itself now has its own responsibilities to reduce the likelihood of a fraud event taking place. 

The UK Higher Education sector is facing a financial crisis. Real-term declines in tuition income, volatile international student enrolment and increasing operational costs are placing HE providers under acute pressure. In response, collaboration between HE providers is being explored as a means to maintain viability.

The OfS regulatory case report and record fine issued to the University of Sussex for breaches of management and governance conditions of registration E1 and E2 has brought University decision-making and compliance with governing documents into the spotlight - in the wider context of freedom of speech and academic freedom obligations.

If you are an HE organisation considering your status under the PA 2023 or wanting to understand the implications, here are some issues to consider.

A recent case highlights how employment tribunals must balance the principle of open justice with the individual’s right to private life, particularly where mental health evidence is involved.