UK Autumn Budget 2025: Impact on Businesses & Taxpayers
The UK’s Autumn 2025 Budget landed in an economy where households, employers and workers are already under pressure. Inflation may be lower than the peaks of recent years, but business operating and living costs remain high, wages are only just keeping pace and business investment is fragile. Against that backdrop, the Chancellor delivered a package […]
New ILR & Settlement Proposals: Key Risks for Employers
The government is consulting on a new earned settlement system that would change how many migrant workers qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain. For most routes that currently lead to settlement after five years, the proposed model introduces a ten year baseline with stricter conditions around conduct, earnings and integration. Some higher earners would qualify […]
UK Immigration Asylum Reforms Announced
The Home Office has published details of asylum reforms in a policy document outlining a major shift in how the UK manages asylum claims, refugee protection and post-decision enforcement. The proposals replace the existing framework with a more conditional, time-limited model, supported by tougher controls around support, appeals and removals. For employers, the reforms signal […]
UK Immigration Rule Changes: October 2025 Update
The Home Office has announced a broad set of reforms to the UK immigration system following publication of the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1333) on 14 October 2025. These updates form part of the government’s “Plan for Change” and will tighten eligibility requirements while increasing costs for both employers and […]
Remote Betting & Gaming Duty (RBGD) update
Since 2014, UK-based remote gambling has been taxed through a combination of General Betting Duty (GBD), Pool Betting Duty (PBD), and Remote Gaming Duty (RGD). Each applies to different activities and at different rates, creating a complex landscape for operators. The government has consulted on a significant reform that could replace these existing duties with […]
ECCTA 2023 Update: UK Company Law Changes
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023) represents one of the most significant overhauls of UK company law in recent years. It was introduced to combat economic crime, strengthen the integrity of the UK’s corporate framework, and enhance the role of Companies House as a gatekeeper of reliable business information. The Act […]
HMRC Digital Platform Reporting Rules
Digital platforms are now a central part of the UK economy, providing routes to market for sellers of goods and services across sectors from retail to transport to accommodation. HMRC has introduced new rules, based on the OECD’s DAC7 framework and implemented domestically through The Platform Operators (Due Diligence and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2023 (as […]
Internationally Mobile Employees NICs
HMRC has updated its National Insurance Manual (NIM33650–NIM33685) to clarify how National Insurance contributions (NICs) apply to internationally mobile employees. The revisions set out how Class 1 NICs attach to earnings, bonuses, and employment-related securities income where duties were performed while the employee was within UK social security legislation, even if payment is made later […]
Umbrella Company PAYE Rules 2026
From 6 April 2026, new PAYE rules will apply to labour supply chains involving umbrella companies. HMRC’s changes are designed to close gaps in tax compliance and to combat avoidance arrangements where workers are engaged through umbrella companies but PAYE is not operated correctly. The current HMRC guidance reflects draft legislation and may be amended […]
Can You Employ Someone on a UK Visitor Visa?
Many UK business owners are unaware of the immigration rules that apply when they want to bring in foreign nationals for short-term business activities. A common question is: “Can I hire someone who’s in the UK on a Visitor Visa?” The short and direct answer is no. A UK Visitor Visa (officially called the Standard […]
IFRS for SMEs: Third Edition Released with Significant Updates
In 2024, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) released the long-anticipated third edition of the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard, marking the first major update to the framework since 2015. This edition brings the standard in closer alignment with full IFRS while preserving its simplified structure and suitability for small and medium-sized entities. The IFRS […]
Employment-Related Securities Reporting: Key Deadlines 2025
In the UK, any employer that provides employees or directors with shares or securities—whether as part of a formal share scheme or through ad hoc arrangements—is required to report these events to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) via an annual Employment-Related Securities (ERS) return. These rules apply regardless of whether the company operates a registered […]
International Tax Reforms: A Strategic Shift in UK Cross-Border Tax Policy
In a move that reflects both post-Brexit independence and global tax alignment efforts, the UK government has announced a package of proposed reforms to its international tax rules. These reforms—targeting transfer pricing regulations and the Diverted Profits Tax (DPT)—form part of a broader agenda to simplify the UK tax system, reduce unnecessary compliance for domestic […]
Revised Company Size Thresholds Take Effect from April 2025
The UK government has enacted a significant reform to company reporting rules by increasing the financial thresholds that define a company’s size for accounting and filing purposes. From 6 April 2025, businesses will see the turnover and balance sheet limits rise by approximately 50%, allowing thousands more companies to qualify for simplified reporting obligations under […]
Major Updates to UK GAAP: Revisions to FRS 102 and FRS 105 Effective 2026
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published substantial amendments to FRS 102 (The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland) and FRS 105 (The Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the Micro-entities Regime). These changes are set to take effect from 1 January 2026, with early adoption permitted for financial statements prepared […]
Steel Act 2025: Govt Powers to Safeguard Industry
In 2025, the UK government enacted the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act, marking a significant moment in the state’s willingness to intervene in strategically vital sectors. The Act gives ministers emergency powers to oversee and, where necessary, take control of steel manufacturing operations to prevent closures that would threaten the UK’s industrial base, national resilience, […]
DMCC Act 2024: Key Consumer Law Changes Ahead
The UK government has passed the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC Act), marking one of the most substantial overhauls of consumer protection law in over a decade. Coming into force in April 2025, this legislation is designed to tackle misleading business practices, increase fairness in digital marketplaces, and give regulators sharper tools […]
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: A New Legal Era for Digital Defence in the UK
In a decisive step toward hardening national cyber defences, the UK government has introduced the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at improving the UK’s preparedness against cyber threats. The bill is part of a broader national strategy to address the rising tide of cyberattacks targeting public institutions, private businesses, […]
UK Immigration Reforms 2025: A Tighter Framework with Big Implications for Business
n 2025, the UK government announced a sweeping set of reforms to the immigration system, aimed at reducing net migration and increasing pressure on employers to prioritise domestic recruitment. While framed politically as a response to public concerns over immigration levels, the practical effects of these reforms will be felt most acutely by UK businesses—particularly […]
The Employment Rights Bill: Reshaping the Workplace in the UK
The UK government is moving forward with one of the most significant employment law overhauls in recent years through the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill. Framed as a landmark step towards promoting fairer, more secure work, the legislation is designed to strengthen employee protections, boost workplace dignity, and eliminate long-standing exploitative practices in the […]