If implemented, the UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme could provide employers — particularly in sectors such as hospitality, agriculture and the arts — with access to a new pool of young and mobile workers without the complexity of sponsorship. The proposed scheme signals a marked softening in cross-border mobility policy and could offer important social and economic opportunities. However, implementation will depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations and political consensus within the United Kingdom.
Gov. Polis Vetoes Colorado Legislature’s Attempt to Repeal Modified Right-to-Work Law
Had this law been enacted, Colorado would have joined Michigan as only the second state to recently repeal its right-to-work law. While Gov. Polis’ veto cannot be overridden since the legislative session is over, legislators have already indicated the bill will be reintroduced in the next session — a likely sign of things to come across the country as more states consider adopting their own laws to supplement the National Labor Relations Act.
UK Employment Tribunal Compensation Limits and Wage Increases; Neonatal Care Leave and Pay; and Ethnicity and Disability Pay Gap Reporting
The annual increases to compensation limits in the UK Employment Tribunals and the new neonatal care leave and pay rights came into force on 6 April 2025, and the annual UK wage increases came into force on 1 April 2025. In addition, the UK government has launched a consultation seeking input on measures it proposes to include in the draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill. The consultation is open until 10 June 2025.
To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.
Trainee Solicitor Isabel Philips was a contributor the article.
Restoring Control over the Immigration System — UK Government White Paper
On 12 May 2025, the UK Government published a major policy document outlining the Government’s plan to reduce legal migration, increase employer compliance obligations, and reshape the immigration system around domestic skills and integration. The proposals signal a shift away from using immigration to meet workforce demand, particularly in lower-paid sectors, and marks a continuation of efforts to reduce net migration to “sustainable levels”. We summarise the key proposed measures.
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Kentucky Prohibits Enforcing Workforce Safety Standards That Are Stricter Than OSHA’s, and Shortens Time to File Complaints and Issue Citations
With the rapid changes currently coming out of Washington, it can be easy to overlook changes occurring at the state and local levels. And given the prerogatives of the Trump administration, especially around OSHA and its anticipated relaxed approach to the adoption of new workplace safety standards, employers should be mindful and expect to see continued activity amongst “state-plan” states in the coming months and years.
To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.
UK Immigration — Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, March 2025; and Home Office and Nationality Fee Changes
On 12 March 2025, the UK Home Office laid before Parliament the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules. This outlines several significant amendments aimed at refining and updating the United Kingdom’s immigration system, and we summarise key changes.
The Home Office has also announced changes to immigration and nationality fees, which will come into effect on 9 April 2025. These fee adjustments apply to various visa categories, and we give a breakdown of some of the revised fees.