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.

A recent Court of Appeal decision offers reassurance to school employers that external job applicants are not protected by whistleblowing detriment laws, but a cautious approach to complaints in recruitment remains advisable.

The Bill has now cleared its final hurdles in the Commons, bringing Royal Assent within sight.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) recently published its annual review of inspections for the academic year 2024-2025, marking the second year of the updated inspection framework introduced in September 2023. The report provides valuable insights into inspection trends and highlights areas where schools have struggled to meet compliance standards. Notably, compliance rates have dropped from 89.5% in 2023-2024 to 84.4% this year. 

The Employment Rights Bill has experienced further delays in its parliamentary progression, with the House of Lords again supporting amendments that would directly affect healthcare employers and the wider health and social care workforce.