Prioritise The Planet In 2023: New Year's Climate Resolutions For HR

I am interested in buying a house by a river which is for sale. Will I own the riverbank? What responsibilities will I have for maintenance?

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) became generally applicable on 12 August 2026, introducing comprehensive sustainability, labeling, and conformity requirements that affect businesses placing packaged products on the EU market. Companies exporting to the EU must now treat packaging as part of product compliance rather than simply a waste issue, with key obligations already in force despite many requirements being phased in through 2030. Businesses that have not yet assessed their packag

Recent EU and UK regulations are transforming product sustainability through new requirements for packaging, batteries, textiles, and supply chains. From digital product passports to deforestation-free commodities, these developments create comprehensive obligations for manufacturers and traders seeking to operate in European markets.

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) runs from 31 October to 12 November 2021 in Glasgow, under a UK presidency As governments seek to tackle the climate emergency with increasing urgency, employers too are considering how best to play their part.

The European Union has introduced a comprehensive Sustainability Omnibus Package that will significantly impact how businesses across member states approach environmental, social, and governance reporting. Understanding these regulatory changes is crucial for companies operating in or with the EU to ensure compliance and adapt their sustainability strategies accordingly.

The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) fundamentally transforms how physical goods are manufactured, tracked, and sold across the European single market by introducing binding performance standards, mandatory sustainability disclosures, and Digital Product Passports.

Over the last month we have seen a continued focus upon those making misleading environmental claims, an act known as greenwashing.

As sustainability pressures mount and net-zero targets drive demand for carbon offsetting, UK landowners face a significant opportunity to generate income through carbon credit schemes. With the market contributing £1.2 billion to the UK economy in 2025 and carbon credits trading at £25-£35 per tonne, peatland restoration and woodland creation projects offer substantial returns while enhancing biodiversity and environmental protection.

The Environment Agency has released updated guidance for Phase 4 of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), introducing new reporting requirements and compliance changes. Organizations must now provide detailed information about implemented energy efficiency measures, including energy savings achieved and relevant categories, while Display Energy Certificates and Green Deal Assessments are no longer accepted as alternative compliance routes.

The UK Home Secretary has confirmed that the revised earned settlement policy will be published before the end of 2026, following her appearance before the Home Affairs Committee. This announcement provides clarity on the timeline for implementing significant changes to the UK immigration system, including transitional arrangements and the extension of the default settlement period from five to ten years.

The UK government has announced significant changes to its immigration system in the Autumn 2026 budget, including modifications to Skilled Worker salary requirements, extended curtailment periods for highly skilled workers, and expansions to the High Potential Individual and Global Talent visa routes. These reforms aim to create Europe's most pro-business migration system for highly skilled workers while introducing new complexities around visa curtailment and graduate route permissions.

The UK Home Office has introduced significant changes to its Immigration Rules, including new protections for Skilled Worker visa holders who are victims of modern slavery, measures to prevent abuse of fee waiver processes, and updates to support the UK's participation in Erasmus+ from January 2027. These changes also expand permitted activities for visitors coming to the UK for training or creative purposes.

Hong Kong's Chief Executive has unveiled sweeping employment law reforms in the 2026 Policy Address, introducing statutory protections for delivery workers, tightening imported labour controls, and accelerating MPF system changes. These measures reflect the Government's commitment to protecting local workers while addressing the challenges of an ageing workforce and evolving labour market dynamics.

As 2026 begins, Ireland's immigration system is entering a period of significant recalibration, with new remuneration thresholds for employment permits, tougher family reunification rules...

The Hong Kong Government has announced a 2.35% increase in the minimum allowable wage for foreign domestic workers, raising it from HK$5,100 to HK$5,220 per month effective October 2026. This adjustment follows the government's annual review considering economic performance, labour market conditions, and stakeholder input, with specific implementation timelines for new and existing employment contracts.

According to the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, one of the city's largest business chambers, the MPFA has proposed increasing the maximum income...

Hong Kong's debt recovery landscape has become increasingly challenging, with corporate insolvencies rising 45% in 2025 and bankruptcy petitions climbing to over 10,000. This comprehensive guide explores the legal pathways available to creditors, from initial demand letters to enforcement mechanisms, and examines when civil litigation versus insolvency proceedings may be the most effective strategy for recovering outstanding debts.

A Hong Kong director was sentenced to 120 hours of community service and ordered to pay HK$93,000 in outstanding wages after her companies failed to pay employees on time. The case demonstrates that corporate officers can face serious criminal liability, including fines up to HK$350,000 and three years' imprisonment, when employment law breaches occur with their consent, connivance, or neglect.

The UK consumer law landscape is undergoing rapid transformation as the CMA exercises its new direct enforcement powers under the DMCC Act 2024, with subscription contract regulations accelerated...