Company lawDeadline: 17 November 2026 Companies House identity checks: the deadline for existing directors is close Every director and person with significant control (PSC) must verify their identity with Companies House. The 12-month transition period ends on 17 November 2026. Existing directors give their personal code when the company files its next confirmation statement. PSCs who aren't directors have a window in the first 14 days of their birth month. What to do: Check when your next confirmation statement is due and get each director's personal code ready. GOV.UK: Changes to UK company law Our Corporate compliance service →
EmploymentFrom 1 October 2026 Employment Rights Act: key changes for employers before 2027 Most employment tribunal time limits have doubled from three to six months. From 30 October 2026, employers must take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment, including by third parties. From 1 January 2027, staff can claim unfair dismissal after six months' service instead of two years. What to do: Review contracts, probation periods and harassment policies now. Acas: Employment Rights Act 2025 Our Employment & HR service →
Tax & payrollFrom 18 November 2026 Payroll providers must register with HMRC as tax advisers Under HMRC's new registration rules, anyone paid to deal with HMRC for clients must register. Payroll-only providers must register between 18 November 2026 and 18 February 2027, and must be supervised for anti-money laundering first. What to do: If someone else runs your payroll, check they are registered. CIOT: Mandatory registration with HMRC Our Tax, payroll & VAT service →
TaxNext update: 7 November 2026 Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: quarterly updates have started Since April 2026, sole traders and landlords with income over £50,000 must keep digital records and send HMRC quarterly updates. The threshold falls to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028. What to do: Check whether you're in scope and that your software is set up. GOV.UK: Making Tax Digital Our Accounts & bookkeeping service →
LandlordsIn force since 1 May 2026 Renters' Rights Act: Section 21 has ended in England Assured shorthold tenancies have become periodic tenancies, and landlords must now rely on Section 8 grounds for possession. Rent can only be increased once a year with a Section 13 notice, and new tenancies need prescribed written information. What to do: Make sure your tenancy documents and notices use the new rules. Gowling WLG: Renters' Rights Act Our Landlord documents service →
UK–India tradeIn force since 15 July 2026 UK–India Free Trade Agreement is now in force The agreement lowers or removes tariffs on a wide range of goods and aims to make it easier for UK businesses to trade with and invest in India. Goods must meet the rules of origin to get the lower tariffs. What to do: Review your UK–India supply and distribution contracts. ASM: UK–India FTA now in force Our Cross-border contracts service →
