Borderless: The Global Mobility Podcast

Labour's Election and Its Impact on Employment and Immigration Policies

Welcome to Borderless, the podcast dedicated to global mobility, immigration, employment law, and HR matters. In this episode, host Simon Kenny, an immigration partner at Spencer West Solicitors, is joined by Fiona Blakey, an employment law specialist from the same firm. Together, they delve into the potential implications of the upcoming UK general election, which is likely to result in a Labour majority. The discussion focuses on Labour’s anticipated policies regarding employment law and immigration, exploring how these changes could impact HR practices.
Fiona provides insights into Labour’s proposals for overhauling worker rights, emphasizing reforms in worker status, zero-hours contracts, and the potential for day-one employment rights. Simon examines the anticipated shifts in immigration policy, noting that while Labour aims to prevent worker exploitation, significant changes to the immigration system may be less dramatic. The episode offers practical advice for employers on preparing for these potential changes, including reviewing employment policies and considering employee representation groups. Tune in to understand how the political landscape could reshape the future of employment and immigration in the UK.
 
Key Takeaways:
Labour's Predicted Victory: The upcoming UK general election is expected to result in a Labour majority, which will likely lead to significant changes in employment law and immigration policies
Employment Law Overhaul: Labour aims to enhance worker rights with reforms addressing worker status, zero-hours contracts, and introducing day-one rights for unfair dismissal. These changes will impact both employers and employees significantly.
Worker Status Clarification: Labour's proposals seek to simplify the classification of employees, workers, and the genuinely self-employed, potentially extending more rights to those in the gig economy.
Quotes:
"Labour's proposals include reforms that are going to enforce and enhance workers' rights, and those of trade unions. Whether or not all of the things they’re proposing will actually come to fruition remains to be seen." – Fiona Blakey
Resources:
Simon on LinkedIn
Fiona on LinkedIn

Navigating the Sponsor License Process: Essential Tips and Compliance Insights

In this episode of Borderless, host Simon Kenny is joined by colleague Lawrence Lupin to discuss the intricacies of applying for a sponsor license in the UK. Together, they explore the essential requirements, such as having a genuine job offer and being a legitimate trading organization. Lawrence provides a simplified overview of the process, outlining the initial steps and underlining the importance of assessing whether the candidate needs a sponsor license, while also considering alternative visa options when applicable. 
The conversation continues with practical advice on managing the sponsor license application, emphasizing the necessity of having key documentation and addressing potential challenges during the process. They also emphasize the importance of understanding ongoing responsibilities, such as record-keeping and compliance checks, which are increasingly conducted through online inspections. Simon and Lawrence also touch on the priority service for expedited processing and the essential role of key personnel in managing the sponsor license within an organization. Tune in for expert insights and actionable tips on effectively navigating the UK’s immigration landscape. 
Key Takeaways: 
Essential Requirements for a Sponsor Licence: When applying for a sponsor license in the UK, organizations need a genuine job offer and must be legitimate trading entity. It's important to check if the candidate truly needs a sponsor license or if other visa options, like an ancestry visa, might be better. 
Importance of Proper Documentation and Compliance: Successful sponsor license applications depend on providing the right documentation within a five-day window and maintaining ongoing compliance with Home Office regulations. This includes thorough record-keeping of employees' work rights, attendance, and contact details. 
Managing the Sponsor License Application Process: Organisations should prepare for the application process by ensuring they have the right personnel in place to manage the license and considering the use of the priority service for faster processing. Understanding the costs and responsibilities involved is critical for maintaining compliance and avoiding potential pitfalls. 
Quotes:
"Successfully navigating the sponsor license process requires not only thorough preparation and documentation but also a deep understanding of ongoing compliance responsibilities. It's more than just filling out a form; it's about ensuring your organization is fully equipped to meet the Home Office standards." — Lawrence Lupin 
Resources: 
➢ Simon on LinkedIn 
➢ Lawrence on LinkedIn

Navigating Tax Changes for Non-Doms: Key Insights and Future Implications

Welcome to Borderless, the global mobility podcast, where we delve into immigration, tax, employment law, and HR. In this episode, Simon Kenny, immigration partner at Spencer West Solicitors, is joined by his colleague Bina Ghayadian to discuss significant changes announced in the UK budget on March 6th regarding the tax treatment of non-domiciled (non-dom) individuals. They confidently explore the concept of domicile, its implications on taxation, and the distinction between domicile and residency, emphasizing how these factors affect tax liabilities, especially under the current remittance basis system.
Bina discusses the upcoming changes for April 2025, where the focus will shift from domicile to residency for tax purposes, introducing a new regime that taxes foreign income and gains for the first four years of UK residence. They also provide practical advice for those affected, including segregating accounts and reviewing trust arrangements before the new rules take effect. Simon and Bina stress the importance of staying informed as further legislative details emerge, anticipating an evolving landscape in global mobility.
To work with Simon, please visit our site: https://www.simonkenny.org/
Key Takeaways:    
Understanding Domicile and Residency: Domicile is important for tax obligations in the UK, especially under the remittance basis system.
Upcoming Tax Changes for Non-Doms: The UK budget announced tax reforms for non-domiciled individuals, effective from April 2025. The new regime focuses on residency rather than domicile, applying a foreign income and gains regime for the first four years of UK residence.
Implications of the New Tax Regime: The changes aim to simplify the tax system by moving away from domicile considerations. Non-doms won't be taxed on foreign income and gains for the first four years of their UK residency but will be fully taxed on worldwide income and gains thereafter.
Quotes: 
"With the upcoming shift from domicile to residency for tax purposes, it's crucial for non-domiciled individuals to stay informed and proactive in their financial planning to navigate these changes effectively." - Bina Ghayadian, Spencer West Solicitors
Resources:
Simon on LinkedIn
Bina on LinkedIn