UK Knowledge Collection | Employment law reform, energy efficiency, and retention payments

October will see enhanced obligations for employers with regard to preventing sexual harassment come into force, and also new liability for them in relation to third-party harassment of employees. With further employment law reforms taking effect in January 2027, in relation to unfair dismissal and varying contractual terms, our Insight looks at how employers can prepare for these new duties and mitigate their risk.

The government has now published an interim response to its consultations on changing the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations for commercial properties, having announced changes in relation to residential properties in January 2026. Our Insight sets out the proposals and considers the impact on landlords, investors and developers.

The government's Commercial Payments Bill, intended to reform late payment practices in construction, has had its second reading in the House of Lords. The most significant provision for the construction industry is a ban on retention payments, though reforms to payment periods and late payment interest will also have wide-ranging implications for the sector. Our Insight discusses the areas of continuing debate, and ways in which businesses may wish to adapt their terms in order to comply.

Recent Insights

Employment Law Coffee Break

The next wave of reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025 comes into force in October 2026 and January 2027, including in relation to harassment, unfair dismissal, restrictions on contractual variations and the extension of Employment Tribunal limitation periods.
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Commercial Payments Bill would ban retention and late payments in UK construction

The bill proposes a phased ban on retention payments in construction contracts, with a two-year transition period before new rules take effect.
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Government announces long-anticipated energy efficiency reforms for commercial properties in England and Wales

Non-domestic buildings will be required to have at least EPC B from 2031 as the government raises Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.
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Competition and Markets Authority consults on merger efficiencies guidance

The CMA is consulting until 1 July on its revised guidance for how it assesses rivalry-enhancing efficiencies in merger reviews.
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Government considers tax reforms to secure stablecoin's place in UK mainstream finance

A proposed capital gains tax exemption for cash-like stablecoin transactions, alongside mandatory OECD-backed crypto reporting obligations in 2027, signal a significant shift in the UK's approach to digital assets and stablecoins.
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Events

Physical AI in the fashion and luxury industry: the EU regulatory landscape and new liability exposure

30 June | Webinar | 09:00-10:00
A practical overview of the converging EU regulatory frameworks, including the AI Act, the Machinery Regulation, the Cyber Resilience Act and the new Product Liability Directive, and their implications for companies deploying or integrating physical AI into their operations.
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The latest in advertising law

30 June | One London Wall | 09:00-11:30
Our specialist advertising law team will discuss recent developments, cases and regulatory activity, and what they mean for business compliance.
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Annual Data Forum

7 July | Halo, Bristol | 13:00-18:30
Our annual Data Forum returns to our Bristol office, including updates on automated decision-making, DSARs, cyber security obligations, regulators' enforcement priorities in the EU and UK, and developments in protecting children online.
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Renters' Rights Act: staying ahead in a changing landscape

9 July | Webinar | 09:30-10:30
A practical assessment of what is in force and what is to come as the Act is implemented, relevant for private landlords of residential property, purpose-built student accommodation operators or portfolio investors. The session includes section 13 rent reviews, possession claims, occupation agreements in Wales and actions to prioritise.
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