Seafarers' Wages Amendment Regulations 2026 Increases Rates

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Seafarers’ Wages (Amendment) Regulations 2026, amending the Seafarers’ Wages Regulations 2024. These amendments increase the hourly rates for the national minimum wage equivalent for seafarers, with the new rates coming into effect on April 1, 2026.

Early Removal of Prisoners (Scotland) Order 2026

The Scottish Ministers have amended the Early Removal of Prisoners from the United Kingdom Order. The period for early removal of certain prisoners before their release date has been increased from 180 to 210 days, and the minimum sentence served before removal has been reduced from one-quarter to 15%.

Creative Industries Relief Amendment Regulations 2026

The UK's Commissioners for His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs have issued the Relief for Creative Industries (Additional Information Requirements and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. These regulations amend the 2024 regulations, introducing new information requirements for claims related to creative industries tax relief, effective April 1, 2026.

Supreme Court Fees (Amendment) Order 2026

The UK Lord Chancellor has issued the Supreme Court Fees (Amendment) Order 2026, increasing court fees by 5.9% effective April 1, 2026. This amendment to the 2024 Order adjusts specific fees to account for inflation between March 2023 and March 2025.

FDA Early Alert: Erbe USA Cryoprobes Rupture Risk

The FDA issued an Early Alert regarding Erbe USA Flexible Cryoprobes due to a risk of rupture during activation, potentially causing injuries and hearing loss. Erbe USA has recalled affected lots and recommended discontinuing use.

GAO Report: Student Loan Servicers Failed Standards, Resulting in Penalties

A GAO report found that 4 out of 5 federal student loan servicers failed to meet performance standards for record accuracy and call quality, leading to approximately $850,000 in penalties. The Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) stopped assessing these metrics in February 2025 due to staff reductions.

GAO Report: Museum Maintenance Backlog and Risks

A GAO report highlights that approximately 85% of US museums have a maintenance backlog, with many facing risks to collections and visitor safety due to aging infrastructure. The report notes that federal funding is not available for construction-related expenses, and the total cost of repairs remains unknown.

GMC Contract Award: PSA Style Audit of FTP Cases 2026

The General Medical Council (GMC) has awarded a contract valued at £36,000 to Nine Chambers for a PSA Style Audit of FTP Cases in 2026. The audit will review the GMC's fitness to practise directorate against Professional Standards Authority standards.

Contract Award: Ultramicrotome Supply for Cambridge University Hospitals

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has awarded a contract valued at £169,606 (including VAT) to Leica Microsystems (UK) Limited for the supply, installation, validation, verification, and maintenance of an ultramicrotome. The contract is for a period of one year, commencing May 1, 2026.

NHS England Contract for Public Health Foundation Programme

NHS England has published a contract notice for a Public Health Foundation Programme in the North East and Yorkshire region, awarded to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The contract is valued at £210,745 and runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027.