United Kingdom: Employment and HR

From 1 October 2026, the UK's illegal working regime is undergoing a major overhaul with complex new rules that will significantly change who needs to conduct 'right to work' checks and when. While the immigration and employment implications are substantial, these changes will have far-reaching effects on commercial contracts, particularly in supply chains involving subcontracted services and intermediary platforms that connect workers with clients.

Accent bias shapes workplace perceptions in ways most people don't consciously acknowledge, affecting everything from recruitment decisions to career progression. Research reveals that 76% of interviewers admit to being influenced by a candidate's accent, with Northern and Midlands accents consistently ranked lowest in prestige. This episode explores the real-world impact of accent discrimination and examines practical interventions employers can implement to address this pervasive form of prejudice.

The EHRC's updated Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations comes into effect on 5 August 2026, incorporating the Supreme Court's ruling that "sex" under the Equality Act 2010...