Here’s a reminder of the major changes to the Right to Work regime taking effect on 1 October 2026:
- Extended Liability – traditionally, RtW checks have only been required by employers on their workers where there is a direct contractual relationship. From 1 October 2026, RtW checks may be required beyond this under the new extended liability scheme. The new scheme applies to online matching services, third-party contracts and substitution situations.
- RtW Digital Verification Service Provider (DVSP) – a RtW DVSP will be able to carry out digital right to work checks on holders of valid British and Irish passports (and Irish passport cards). This expands upon the existing Identity Service Provider (IDSP) framework. RtW DVSPs will also be able to play a role in verifying documents for manual RtW checks and provide facial recognition technology to confirm that a worker is the same person the RtW check was conducted on.
- Avoiding Discrimination – affirmation that employers have a legal duty to both prevent illegal working and not unlawfully discriminate when doing so. Employers must maintain consistent processes regardless of race, nationality, or perceived immigration status. The Home Office will publish an updated code of practice for employers for avoiding unlawful discrimination while preventing illegal working in October 2026. You can find the draft code here.
Global Talent visa expanded
On 6 August 2025, the government announced the expansion of the Global Talent visa to try and attract the world’s brightest researchers.
More than 100 of the UK’s most innovative companies can now support scientists to come to live and work in the UK. The move allows commercial research businesses to support exceptional researchers who are coming to the UK to work on funded projects.
The companies approved for this expansion fall into eight high-growth sectors including advanced manufacturing, digital and technologies, clean energy, life sciences and the creative industries. You can find a list of the approved companies here.
our team news
On 5 August 2026, Rhea Hennessey qualified as a Solicitor. Rhea has been completing the LPC and Master of Laws degree with the University of Law over the last two years, having joined the firm in June 2022.
As a qualified Solicitor, Rhea will continue to handle both business and personal immigration matters, including Global Talent, Skilled Worker and family visas, along with British nationality applications. Congratulations, Rhea!
On 19 August 2026, Bill Still was onboarded as our second 2026/2027 Placement Paralegal Student. Bill has completed the first two years of his Bachelor’s degree in Law at the University of Surrey and will be working with us over the next 12 months.