25 June 2026

Keir Starmer’s resignation and subsequent changes in the government will inevitably create some uncertainty about the direction of the UK’s immigration policy.

Clamping down on illegal working is likely to remain a priority for the next Prime Minister and their government. That means businesses should continue planning for the expansion of right to work checks to a far greater pool of people who provide services for their business, including gig workers, subcontractors and agency staff. We understand that this will come into force in October and anticipate that guidance will be published very shortly, which we hope will give greater clarity on the new regime and how to comply with it. Read our article on the right to work changes here.

Another proposed change that we will be monitoring is in regard to how people can settle in the UK – known as Earned Settlement. These proposals would affect hundreds of thousands of people currently on a route to settlement in the UK, as well as anyone who might consider settling in the UK in the future. The proposed changes would also affect the way many businesses can recruit and retain the workers they need.

We were expecting confirmation of the Government’s plans in the autumn, but it remains to be seen if that timetable will be affected by the change in Prime Minister.

The i Paper reports allies of Andy Burnham have suggested that he may be considering scrapping elements of the Earned Settlement proposals that would have applied retrospectively to people already in the UK on a route to settlement, although this remains unconfirmed. You can read more about Laura Devine Immigration’s views on Earned Settlement proposals here.

The Immigration Rules and policy for sponsor licence holders, sponsored workers, people on global talent, innovator or student visas remain as they were before the leadership shake-up. We expect any new Prime Minister to maintain the current government’s immigration commitments to reducing net migration, however we hope to see more streamlined routes for business founders, innovators and talented individuals.

Get in touch

If you would like support with any of the issues raised here please contact your assigned LDI lawyer or the Enquiries team at enquiries@lauradevine.com.