Social Security and Statutory Maternity Pay (Evidence of Pregnancy) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Department for Communities has amended the Social Security and Statutory Maternity Pay (Evidence of Pregnancy) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026, effective April 1, 2026. These amendments remove the requirement for maternity certificates to be completed in ink or other indelible substance, allowing for non-original copies to be submitted as evidence.

Northern Ireland Small Business Rate Relief Extended

The Department of Finance in Northern Ireland has amended the Rates (Small Business Hereditament Relief) Regulations 2010. This amendment extends the small business rate relief scheme by substituting the end of the qualifying year from April 1, 2026, to April 1, 2027.

Appointment of Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills Order 2026

The UK Privy Council has issued the Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills Order 2026, appointing individuals to these inspector roles. The order, made on March 10, 2026, and effective March 11, 2026, lists the names of the newly appointed inspectors.

ADR Regulations Conferring Functions on CTSI under 2024 Act

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Alternative Dispute Resolution) (Conferral of Functions) Regulations 2026. These regulations, effective April 6, 2026, confer specific functions related to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) approval, accreditation, and enforcement onto the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).

UK Paternity Leave Rules Amended for Overseas Adoptions

The UK government has issued the Employment Rights Act 1996 (Application of Section 80B to Adoptions from Overseas) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, amending rules regarding paternity leave for overseas adoptions. These regulations come into force on March 10, 2026.

Scotland Hospitality and Music Rates Relief Regulations 2026

The Scottish Ministers have introduced the Non-Domestic Rates (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2026, effective March 31, 2026. These regulations provide a 40% relief on business rates for eligible hospitality and music venues with a rateable value of £100,000 or less.

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.