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Londoners raise thousands of pounds for charity

Figures in this week confirm the UK’s foremost leisure charitable social enterprise GLL hosted 1,362 fundraising challenges in 87 of its managed pools for Swimathon 2026 – smashing the tally of 1,054 set in 2025 – and raising a record £141k for charities.

Almost half the participating pools were in London boroughs with customers and staff across the capital making a sterling effort to ‘do their bit’ and raise much-needed money.

Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre raised over £3k while Charlton Lido, Finchley Lido, and Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex each generated almost £5k.

This year, the world’s biggest fundraising swim – which began 40 years ago – happened over the weekend of 20-22 March, with fundraisers’ proceeds benefitting the world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research, Cancer Research UK, and the UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie, as well as Swimathon Foundation.
Individuals swam a variety of distances – 500m, 1.5k, 2.5k, Swimathon 5k and Triple 5k distances – with teams choosing 1.5k, 2.5k and 5k challenges.

GLL has been supporting Swimathon over the years in its ‘Better’ branded pools. Last year saw 1,054 challenges completed in 68 pools raising £109k for charity.

Swimathon Foundation confirmed £141,639 was raised in GLL pools in 2026.

GLL is the largest provider of public swimming in the UK (140 pools, 9 lidos and one reservoir) including West Reservoir and London Fields Lido – and the biggest provider of swimming lessons – teaching 200,000 people a week, including adult swimmers.

Swimathon also supports end of life charity Marie Curie and the Swimathon Foundation.

GLL’s Head of Sport and Aquatics Andrew Clark said: “Congratulations to Susanna and all our charity fundraisers in Swimathon’s 40th year. With 1362 taking part, Swimathon 2026 is the biggest challenge of its kind we’ve hosted in GLL pools.

“The world’s largest charitable funder of cancer research – Cancer Research UK – and the UK’s leading end of life charity – Marie Curie – as well as Swimathon Foundation directly benefit from our fundraisers’ efforts.
“Swimathon brought people back to the pool in their droves to rediscover their love of swimming.”

Swimathon President Duncan Goodhew is celebrating 50 years since becoming an Olympian. He visited GLL’s London Fields Lido on Saturday 21 March to cheer on challenge fundraisers. He commented: “Thanks to GLL and all our pool operator hosts for supporting their community swimmers young and old to raise much-needed funds for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie during Swimathon 2026.

“In our 40th anniversary year, Swimathon more than ever exemplifies the collective positive energy of the UK’s swimming community and the benefits swimming brings.”

London Stansted joins Essex Wildlife Trust’s Investor in Wildlife scheme

London Stansted has joined the Essex Wildlife Trust’s Investor in Wildlife scheme, reinforcing its long standing commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment across the airport site.

The partnership supports Manchester Airports Group’s (MAG) wider sustainability plans, which include boosting biodiversity, restoring habitats, and managing land more sustainably across all its airports.

Through the new collaboration, Stansted will receive expert advice and benefit from local conservation networks, helping to strengthen and expand the environmental work already taking place on site.

Joining the scheme builds on existing initiatives and will further support habitat improvements across the airport. Planned measures include installing hedgehog nest boxes, restoring hedgerows, and creating opportunities for colleagues to take part in conservation activities.

Martin Churley, MAG’s Head of Environment, said:

“There’s a lot more nature around the airport than people realise. Stansted is truly an airport in the countryside, and we’ve worked hard to create spaces where wildlife can thrive. It’s great to see deer, foxes and rare flowers living happily just beyond the runway. This partnership with the Wildlife Trust, along with our sustainability strategy, will help ensure that the airport continues to grow in a way that supports and enhances local biodiversity.”

London Stansted recently received its official Gold Member Investors in Wildlife certificate from the Essex Wildlife Trust during a special visit to the airport’s habitat area. Representatives from the Trust joined members of the airport’s environment team at the north side site.

Justine Addison, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Essex Wildlife Trust, said:

“Welcoming Stansted Airport as a member of our corporate Investors in Wildlife Programme is a powerful example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared commitment to nature. Their visible leadership and investment, send a strong signal about the vital role business can play, helping to accelerate real, measurable impact for biodiversity gain across Essex.”

One of the airport’s flagship initiatives is a dedicated wildlife habitat north of the runway, created around seven years ago on previously unused land. Covering an area roughly equivalent to two football pitches, the site includes ponds, grassland and woodland, providing a safe home for species such as deer, rabbits, badgers and great crested newts. A wide variety of wildflowers including marsh marigold and wild angelica also thrive here.

Wildlife is also frequently seen around the wider airport boundary too, with grazing deer and foxes regularly spotted. In nearby woodland managed by the airport, Stansted is supporting the National Trust by collecting seeds from rare oxlip flowers found on the site, helping to grow new plants for rewilding projects in places such as Hatfield Forest, where the species has been declining.

DEEP TECH COMPANY UNVEILS CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTION TO TACKLE UK ENERGY SECURITY CRISIS HYDROGEN ON DEMAND SYSTEM COULD CUT UK HOUSEHOLD ENERGY BILLS BY 30-45%

HYDROGEN ON DEMAND SYSTEM COULD CUT UK HOUSEHOLD ENERGY BILLS BY 30-45%

UK CONSUMERS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO CHEAP CARBON FREE ENERGY ALTERNATIVE FROM 2027

KINETIC7 the disruptive tech company – founded by Australian entrepreneur and philanthropist Rick Parish – has today announced that it has developed a cheap clean energy platform and delivery solution to help tackle the UK and global energy crisis.

The company also claims that its hydrogen on demand system could cut UK household energy bills by as much as 30%-45%. It comes at a time when energy prices are hitting unprecedented levels and impacting both the UK business and domestic energy markets.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced emergency support measures for UK households worst hit by the energy crisis. The £57M package of targeted measures have been introduced to those ‘off grid’ households not covered by the energy fuel cap and not served by legacy mains gas utility companies. Over 4 million households across the UK currently using LPG and oil have seen the cost of heating their homes rise by 80% in just one week.

While the world debates and procrastinates on how to produce and use sustainable hydrogen gas safely, Kinetic7 has achieved a global breakthrough in developing and safely producing hydrogen gas on demand. It comes at a time of growing global concern over the short and medium-term security and supply of gas energy in the UK and across Europe. Rapidly increasing costs and scarcity of supply have been directly impacted by recent geopolitical issues with Russia and Ukraine and the current war between the US, Israel and Iran.

The Abu Dhabi based company – with offices in the UK, Australia, Italy and the US – has pioneered a unique multi-patented delivery mechanism and several portable delivery platforms that have successfully and safely harnessed the production and delivery of hydrogen gas on demand (HOD). The innovation dispenses with the need to capture and store hydrogen gas, which has traditionally been dangerous and is extremely expensive to build infrastructure and storage.

The Kinetic7 technology produces hydrogen (HHO) gas on demand as and when needed with zero emissions, making it safe, clean, affordable energy that is accessible to everyone, everywhere and even in the remotest of locations.

Originally the technology was conceived as a portable cooking stove for humanitarian use in developing nations. Kinetic7 has designed and produced the Tribe™️ and Nomad™️ stoves which are currently in commercialisation phase and will be launched in Q3 of 2026. Both portable cooking stoves run off battery and solar power and will also be used for humanitarian, disaster relief, military and emergency services use. The technology meets 13 of the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG).

Kinetic7 was then pivoted to address the wider global energy crisis impacting both the business and domestic energy markets. A much larger hydrogen on demand HODbox™ was designed and created specifically for the commercial catering and restaurant sectors and one for the domestic energy market. Further prototype pivots are currently being worked on for other industrial sectors of business and industry.

Not only does the residential HODbox™ produce carbon free hydrogen gas for cooking, hot water and heating, but it is produced and delivered from an adaptable ‘plug and play’ unit that can be attached to the side of any residential property. The Kinetic7 HODbox™ can produce clean gas at a fraction of the price delivered by legacy mains gas suppliers, without the need for costly upstream infrastructure and extensive utility pipe networks and connections. It works on the same principle of how existing LPG and oil tanks connect into existing residential properties.

Kinetic7 was founded by serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Rick Parish who has spent decades working in high risk, safety critical environments from the Australian SAS to search and rescue, global safety and emergency training operations for the oil and gas industries.

Commenting on the breakthrough Chairman and founder Rick Parish said.

“The current energy crisis has highlighted once again how vulnerable UK and European energy supplies are and the steps that need to be taken to ensure long term energy security is preserved at all costs. We have become far too reliant on legacy gas providers who control the supply and price of energy. The cost of energy has also risen steeply over the last few years amidst market volatility and geopolitical instability. Hydrogen on demand is the future for safe, clean and affordable energy that can be rolled out at speed.

Hydrogen gas has existed since the very start of evolution, but understanding how we can create, capture and store hydrogen gas safely has eluded even the greatest of minds. When we were innovating Kinetic7, we asked ourselves what if we didn’t need to store hydrogen gas but instead could create it on demand. Today we have managed to harness the method of creating, producing and delivering hydrogen gas safely, on demand, without the need for storage. This circumnavigates the costly process of storing hydrogen gas and means that our Kinetic7 gas is 100% safe and can be created as and when it is needed and most importantly its 100% carbon free.”

Each UK household will be able to effectively create its own supply of clean energy from the Kinetic7 HODbox™, thus ensuring domestic energy supply and security to the home. Kinetic 7 provides a viable alternative to the business and domestic energy markets. It is believed that the hydrogen on demand system could represent savings of as much as 30-45% off household energy bills each year, without the reliance on legacy mains gas supply. It will also provide a 100% carbon free alternative energy source to the off grid residential market which is currently served by LPG, propane and biofuel.

The residential HODbox™ simply attaches to the side of a property and is then plumbed into the interior of the house. After an initial outlay cost for the purchase of the Kinetic 7 unit, the only other running costs to produce hydrogen gas on demand would come from the minimal supply of water and a small amount of electricity/or solar to power needed to power the unit and its auxiliary battery.

Rick Parish added.

“The crisis in the UK and European domestic energy market continues to impact households and squeezing incomes. Kinetic7 can be delivered safely to the domestic energy markets. Householders and house builders developing new homes will have a real alternative energy source that is 100% carbon free and that can simply bolt onto the side of a house at very minimal cost and disruption. Kinetic7 will provide ultra clean and ultra cheap gas for cooking and heating a boiler for ambient heat and hot water. We expect to make further announcements on this exciting phase over the coming months.”

The UK government are currently piloting several residential schemes and trials using hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas has historically been seen as unsafe and unstable due to its low flash point, making it very volatile under storage. Typically, hydrogen gas needs to be created, captured and stored in large storage facilities. It requires expensive infrastructure and is costly to produce and store.

The Kinetic7 HODbox™ dispenses with the need to store hydrogen gas. It provides a completely safe and reliable clean energy source which requires no storage and is produced at the point of demand. It has minimal cost outlay over the traditional hydrogen pilot schemes currently operating in communities which have significant cost implications in the creation, storage and delivery of the hydrogen gas.

The technology was also recently demonstrated at the Palace of Westminster using the prototype Kinetic7 Nomad™️ stove to an audience of peers, dignitaries and members of the House of Lords at the invitation of The Baroness Uddin, a sitting member of the House of Lords.

Rick Parish concluded.

“We are genuinely excited about the future and the huge impact that Kinetic7 can bring not just to the UK but to both developing and developed nations. It’s the first major step in producing clean and cheap energy that is carbon free anywhere in the world using one of our portable cook stoves to our commercial and residential HODbox™ systems.”

The Kinetic 7 technology has also been subjected to independent academic assessment, expert analysis and opinion by Professor Paul Fennell and Dr Andrius Patapas for the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Imperial College London.

For more information on Kinetic7

www.kinetic7.com

Three in Four UK Founders Fear Business Impact From Iran War

Nearly three in four UK scale-up founders fear the Iran war dragging on will negatively affect their business, according to new research from Helm.

When 400 members of Helm, the UK’s largest community of scale-up founders, were asked in an online survey: ‘Are you worried that the Iran war dragging on will negatively affect your business?’ 72 per cent said ‘yes’, 7 per cent said ‘no’, and 21 per cent said ‘don’t know’.

The survey carried out between March 20-23 also asked: ‘Are you worried that energy price rises will cut your profitability or slow your growth?’ with 57 per cent saying ‘yes’, 36 per cent saying ‘no’, and 7 per cent saying ‘don’t know’.

Asked: ‘Has the Iran war exposed vulnerabilities in your supply chain?’ 14 per cent said ‘yes’, 11 per cent said ‘no’, and 75 per cent said ‘don’t know’.

Andreas Adamides, CEO of Helm, said: “The Iran war and spiralling energy prices are the final straw for many founders already operating under the weight of historic cost pressures. With 72% of our members now bracing for a direct hit to their business because of the conflict, this is an urgent warning that the Government cannot afford to ignore.”

“Ministers must act now to ease the burden and support those who are the UK’s primary engine for growth. We need more than just warm words; we need decisive support with energy costs and supply chain resilience to protect margins and stabilise the business landscape.

“If the Government fails to back firms during this crisis, they risk stalling the very businesses meant to power our economic recovery.”

The average Helm member is the founder of a company with an annual turnover of £21 million.

For more info, visit: www.helmclub.coIran

Three in four UK founders fear business impact from Iran War

Nearly three in four UK scale-up founders fear the Iran war dragging on will negatively affect their business, according to new research from Helm.

Asked: ‘Has the Iran war exposed vulnerabilities in your supply chain?’ 14 per cent said ‘yes’, 11 per cent said ‘no’, and 75 per cent said ‘don’t know’.

“If the Government fails to back firms during this crisis, they risk stalling the very businesses meant to power our economic recovery.”

The average Helm member is the founder of a company with an annual turnover of £21 million.

FM tenders: Why generic mobilisation timelines are costing you points

The UK facilities management sector contributes more than £65 billion to the UK economy each year, with over £13 billion coming directly from public sector contracts. With the market projected to grow significantly through to 2033, driven by government investment, net zero commitments and rising demand for energy efficient buildings, competition is building for FM tenders.

In public sector FM tenders, firms are increasingly losing marks for something surprisingly basic: their mobilisation plans. Following several high-profile contract transitions that failed to run smoothly, procurement teams now examine mobilisation sections far more closely. A recycled, one-size-fits-all timeline is no longer enough.

Executive Compass, a bid and tender writing specialist, examines how businesses can strengthen mobilisation responses to improve scoring and increase their chances of winning.

Why Mobilisation Sections Are Often Misjudged

Mobilisation is where the theory of a bid meets the reality of delivery. It covers everything from TUPE transfers and supply chain engagement to compliance frameworks, staff inductions, technology set up and asset verification. For FM contracts, which are operationally complex and involve multiple workstreams running simultaneously, the tolerance for error is minimal.

The problem is that many businesses approach mobilisation questions with a standard template, adjusting a few dates and resubmitting. Evaluators, many with experience of overseeing difficult contract transitions, can spot a generic plan immediately.

“Mobilisation responses are one of the areas where we see the biggest gap between what businesses submit and what evaluators are actually looking for,” said Christian Rowe, CEO at Executive Compass.

“A vague timeline with broad milestones tells an evaluator very little. What they want to see is a structured mobilisation plan with clear timescales, defined task dependencies and resources aligned to the competency required at each stage.

“That level of detail shows the bidder has considered how the contract will transition in practice, rather than relying on a generic approach.”

What Evaluators Expect to See

A strong mobilisation response demonstrates an understanding of the client’s operational environment, acknowledges the complexity of the transition and presents a credible, sequenced plan with clear ownership and contingencies.

“Procurement teams have become far more sophisticated in how they evaluate mobilisation,” says Rowe.

“They are looking for specificity. What are the dependencies? What happens if a key subcontractor is delayed? How will you maintain service continuity for building users during the switchover? If your response does not address those questions directly, you are going to lose marks.”

Commercial clarity is another area where bids often fall short. Misalignment between the pricing model and mobilisation approach can quickly undermine evaluator confidence.

Strengthening Mobilisation Through Independent Review

With mobilisation questions carrying significant quality weightings in FM tenders, a generic response can be the difference between winning and losing.

An independent bid review before submission can identify where a mobilisation plan lacks the specificity evaluators expect, where risks have been overlooked and where the narrative fails to reflect the particular contract being bid for.

“A bid review gives businesses an objective view of their submission before it goes in,” advises Rowe. “It’s also an opportunity to build stronger habits for future tenders. The feedback from a thorough review does not just improve one bid, it raises the standard across the board.”

In a competitive market where evaluators know exactly what a credible transition plan looks like, specificity and contract-focused detail are what separate high-scoring bids from the rest.

Phytoestrogens and Lignans in prostate health

Prostate health is something many men only start thinking about when problems appear.

Yet long before symptoms are noticeable, the choices we make around diet and lifestyle can influence how the prostate behaves as we age.

Among the nutrients attracting interest are phytoestrogens, and in particular a group called lignans, which are naturally present in many everyday plant foods. Read on to learn more about phytoestrogens and lignans in prostate health.

These compounds are not new. We have been eating them for generations in seeds, wholegrains, berries and vegetables. What is new is the growing body of research suggesting that plant-rich diets containing lignan-rich foods may offer gentle but meaningful support for long-term prostate health.¹

What are phytoestrogens and lignans?

Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that resemble human oestrogen just enough to interact with our hormone receptors, although in a much milder way.²

Lignans are one of the most common phytoestrogen groups in our diet. When we eat lignan-containing foods, the gut bacteria in our microbiome convert them into “enterolignans,” which are then absorbed into the bloodstream.³ These are the forms that seem to offer potential health benefits.

Why lignans matter for the prostate

The prostate is a hormonally sensitive gland. As men age, subtle shifts in hormone metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress can all influence the risk of enlargement or cancer.

This is where lignans come into focus. Research suggests that enterolignans can help to:
• Support a healthier balance of sex hormones⁴
• Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress⁵
• Encourage a gut microbiome profile linked with healthier hormonal regulation⁶

Together, these effects may help create a more favourable environment for the prostate over the long term.

What the research shows so far

While no single food or nutrient can prevent prostate problems, the evidence around lignans is evolving. A major review of diet and prostate cancer highlights the potential importance of plant-rich dietary patterns, which often include lignan-containing foods.¹

More specific research on lignans shows mixed but intriguing findings. In prospective cohort studies, higher circulating levels of enterolactone, one of the main enterolignans, have in some cases been associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer, although results are not entirely consistent across all studies.⁷⁻⁸

An individual participant data meta-analysis pooling seven large studies found generally modest associations between circulating lignans and prostate cancer risk, again suggesting that lignans may be one helpful component within a broader plant-focused diet rather than a stand-alone protective agent.⁹

Clinical trials provide further insight. In a well-designed study of men awaiting prostate surgery, daily flaxseed supplementation was associated with reduced tumour cell proliferation compared with controls.¹⁰ This does not prove that lignans prevent prostate cancer, but it does highlight a promising mechanism that merits more investigation.

The wider dietary pattern matters too. Diets rich in vegetables, wholegrains, legumes and seeds consistently appear favourable for prostate health compared with traditional Western diets.¹¹

Where to find lignans in your diet

Lignans are widely distributed across the plant kingdom, making it easy to include them as part of everyday eating. Good sources include:

• Flaxseed
• Sesame seeds
• Rye, oats and barley
• Berries
• Broccoli and other vegetables
• Legumes

Flaxseed is one of the richest sources, but the goal is variety rather than relying on any single food.

Practical ways to add more lignans to your diet

Many lignan-containing foods fit easily into familiar meals. A spoonful of ground seeds on porridge, wholegrain bread at lunchtime, berries with yoghurt, or a sprinkle of a seed blend over salads or soups are simple ways to increase your intake. A ready-to-use mix of ground seeds can make this even easier.

A gentle step towards long-term prostate health

Lignans are not a magic bullet, but they are a natural part of a plant-rich diet that may help support healthier hormonal balance and better prostate outcomes as we age. And perhaps most importantly, these are easy, everyday foods that support overall health far beyond the prostate.

Doctor Alan is a Consultant Gastroenterologist who has made evidence-based dietary advice an essential part of his medical practice. He has presented at numerous international medical conferences on the benefits of this approach to food, alongside other renowned advocates including Dr Michael Greger, Dr Michael Klaper, Dietician Brenda Davis, Dr Kim Williams, and Dr Neal Barnard. He is an Ambassador for Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, a not-for-profit group which educates members of the public, health professionals, and policy makers on the incredible health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Certified in both Gastroenterology and General Internal Medicine, Doctor Alan completed his medical training in Ireland and Oxford. He has a specialist interest in the role of diet in the prevention and treatment of Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. A fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, he has published several influential research papers in the field of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and is a dedicated advocate for the gut health benefits, and overall health benefits, of a whole-food plant-based approach to nutrition. He lives in South Devon with his wife and three children.

Alan has written for the Daily Telegraph and the Irish Times. He has contributed to numerous best-selling publications, including “The Happy Health Plan” by Stephen and David Flynn, “How to Go Vegan” by Ian Theasby and Henry Firth of BOSH!, “How to Go Plant-Based” by Ella Mills, “Let’s Do This: How to use motivational psychology to change your habits” by Andy Ramage, and “Plant-Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice”, edited by Professor Shireen Kassam. HIs own best-selling book, ‘The Plant-Based Diet Revolution: 28 days to a happier gut and a healthier you’, is available wherever books are sold.

Immigration reforms set to reshape hiring plans for small businesses

From April 2026, the UK is expected to introduce sweeping reforms to its immigration system, the most significant overhaul of permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR) rules in decades. The scheme, known as Earned Settlement, is designed to reshape how migrants qualify for long-term residence, putting financial contribution and integration at the centre of eligibility.

Kadmos Immigration, a UK specialist immigration advisory firm, explains what the reforms entail, who will be affected, and what individuals and employers should prepare for.

What’s Changing From April 2026

A New ‘Earned Settlement’ Framework for Permanent Residence

Under the current system, most migrants on skilled worker, family and other qualifying visas can apply for ILR after five years’ lawful residence.

From April 2026, the government plans to introduce an “Earned Settlement” system that:

Raises the baseline qualifying period for most migrants to 10 years.
Introduces a points-based contribution model that can reduce or extend that period based on individual circumstances (e.g., high earnings, public service work or benefit use).
Adjusts qualifying periods, potentially shortening it to three years for very high earners, or lengthening it to 15 years or more for others — depending on contribution, earnings, immigration history and other factors.

Helena Sheizon, Immigration expert at Kadmos Immigration, explains:

“This reform represents a fundamental shift from a time-based route to permanent residence, to one focused on earned contribution. It aims to reward economic contribution and integration, but it also means that thousands of people already on paths to settlement will face new qualifying conditions and longer waits if they do not meet newly introduced criteria.”

Contribution and Penalty Points Will Matter

The Earned Settlement model will consider aspects such as:

Income levels: higher taxable earnings over a sustained period can reduce the time to settlement.
Employment in key public service sectors: work in roles like health and education can accelerate eligibility.
English language proficiency: higher language skills may shorten qualifying periods.
Claims on public funds, previous visa breaches or irregular entry may increase qualifying periods significantly.

For example, someone with high earnings and strong integration may qualify faster than someone with lower income and intermittent work history.

Helena Sheizon, Immigration expert at Kadmos Immigration adds:

“What makes this system distinctive is the idea of earning settlement by measurable contribution. It will require people to demonstrate not just residence but economic engagement with the UK.”

English Language and Minimum Employment Requirements Tighten

Several groundwork reforms have already taken effect or will apply from early 2026, including:

A higher English language requirement (B2 level) for key work visas such as Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up visas.
Minimum income thresholds tied to both settlement and long-term visa eligibility.
Expanded enforcement and compliance measures affecting sponsors and employers.

Who Will Be Most Affected?

The reforms will touch thousands of people currently living and working in the UK:

Skilled workers and their dependents may face longer waits for settlement unless they meet the new earnings criteria.
Family visa holders on a five-year route may see their settlement timeline extended and additional requirements added, such as income test
Lower-paid workers, including those in sectors like social care or middle-skilled roles, may face baseline waits as long as 15 years before qualifying

What Has Changed Since 2025

These reforms follow a broader immigration strategy set out in the UK government’s recent White Paper and consulted on throughout late 2025. Key developments leading up to April 2026 include:

The higher English language requirement for work visa routes, effective from January 2026.
A reduction in Skilled Worker visa eligibility for some occupations since July 2025
A Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules is expected in March 2026 following the Earned Settlement consultation which closed in February 2026. This will pave the way for implementation from April.

Helena Sheizon, Immigration expert at Kadmos Immigration, explains:

“The Immigration Reform expected from April 2026 marks a major turning point. The shift to an earned settlement model changes not only how long people must wait for permanent residence but what they must do.

For individuals and families planning long-term lives in the UK, this means greater complexity and new conditions. It also means that migrants cannot assume a simple five-year route to settlement will exist in the future, even if they entered under earlier expectations.”

Helena Sheizon, Immigration expert at Kadmos Immigration adds:

“Employers and visa holders should review their settlement plans now and where possible schedule for early settlement, as this is in the interests of both the employers and employees.”

What Individuals and Employers Should Do Now

Kadmos Immigration recommends:

Reviewing current settlement timelines and check if small adjustments may facilitate quicker settlement
Engaging legal advice early for those close to settlement.

Monitoring government updates following the consultation closure and the Statement of Changes in March 2026.

Millions of Families in Line for Child Benefit Rate Increase

Millions of families in line for Child Benefit rate increase

More than 6.9 million families claiming Child Benefit will see an increase in payments from next week
Using the HMRC app is quickest and easiest way to claim Child Benefit and manage payments
Thousands of new parents are missing out on payments by delaying their claim

Millions of families claiming Child Benefit will see an increase in their payments from next week, as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) encourages those yet to claim to use the HMRC app or go online to claim theirs today.

From 6 April, claimants will receive £27.05 per week – or £1,406.60 a year – for the eldest or only child and £17.90 per week – or £930.80 a year – for each additional child, with no limit as to how many children parents can claim for. This is an annual increase of £52 and £33.80 respectively.

Latest figures show that while more than 6.9 million families receive Child Benefit payments, only 72% of families claimed it in their baby’s first year. A Child Benefit claim can only be backdated for up to 3 months from the date your claim is received by HMRC, which means thousands of families are missing out.

HMRC has released a YouTube video explaining how new parents can make a claim.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

“Looking after a child can be expensive and especially a newborn baby. It takes a few minutes to claim Child Benefit via the app and doing so as soon as you can after your baby is born will ensure you don’t miss out on vital financial support.”

The quickest and easiest way for parents and carers to claim, view and manage Child Benefit payments is by downloading the free and secure HMRC app or by using the digital service. Since the launch of the digital service, more than 1.5 million families have gone online or used the HMRC app to claim their Child Benefit with latest figures showing almost 85% of claims are made this way.

Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks and will automatically be paid into a bank account.

App users can track their Child Benefit payments with a simple swipe. Since April 2025 more than 928,000 parents have used the HMRC app to manage their Child Benefit account, including:

making a new claim
updating a change in circumstances
amending personal or bank details
adding additional children to a claim
viewing or printing Proof of Entitlement to Child Benefit
telling us their children are continuing in full time, non-advanced education or approved training

To make a claim for Child Benefit, parents will need to create an online HMRC account and will need:

child’s birth or adoption certificate
bank details
National Insurance number for themselves and their partner, if they have one
child’s original birth or adoption certificate and passport or travel document, for children born outside the UK.

Anna Sharkey from the Money and Pensions Service, said:

“Use MoneyHelper’s free Benefits Calculator if you think you, or someone you know, might be eligible for Child Benefit. The calculator will show you all the benefits you’re eligible for.

“Other MoneyHelper tools for new parents include the Baby Cost Calculator to help you budget when having a baby, and the Baby Money Timeline which gives you key dates to help you plan your finances.

“Visit MoneyHelper.org.uk for free and impartial money guidance for everyday money management.”

Parents in receipt of Child Benefit payments, or who are making a new claim where either they or their partner have income of more than £60,000 a year, may have to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).

Parents eligible for the charge can use the HICBC PAYE digital service to pay the charge through their PAYE tax code rather than completing a Self Assessment tax return, if they have no other reason to file a return.

The service is available to parents who are liable for the charge, where their income exceeds the HICBC threshold. Eligible parents can register via the HMRC app or on GOV.UK.

Parents who choose to pay the charge through their Self Assessment can continue to do so.

Families who have previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can opt back in and restart their payments quickly and easily on the HMRC app or online.

A person living in a household subject to the HICBC will still receive National Insurance credits if they claim Child Benefit but choose to opt out of receiving payments.