As of January 2025, several significant legal changes are set to take effect in the United Kingdom, impacting various sectors. Here’s an overview of the key updates:
1. Employment Law
- National Minimum Wage Increase: Effective April 1, 2025, the National Minimum Wage rates will rise as follows:
- National Living Wage (ages 21 and over): From £11.44 to £12.21 per hour.
- Ages 18 to 20: From £8.60 to £10.00 per hour.
- Under 18 and Apprentices: From £6.40 to £7.55 per hour.
- Daily Accommodation Offset: From £9.99 to £10.66.
2. Competition Law
- Merger Control Thresholds: Starting January 1, 2025, the UK will implement revised merger control thresholds. These changes are designed to enhance regulatory oversight of mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the digital markets sector.
3. Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs)
- Changes to Marketing Authorisations: From January 1, 2025, centralised marketing authorisations will no longer be effective in Northern Ireland. This adjustment affects the validity and recognition of SPCs, which extend patent protection for pharmaceutical and plant protection products.
4. Public Procurement
- Procurement Act 2023 Implementation: The Procurement Act 2023, aimed at overhauling public procurement laws to simplify processes and increase opportunities for small businesses, is scheduled to come into force on February 24, 2025. This represents a significant shift from previous EU procurement rules.
5. Taxation
- Electric Vehicle Tax: The UK government has announced, starting in 2025, electric vehicles will no longer be exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). This change aims to ensure a fair contribution to road maintenance from all vehicle owners.
6. Congestion Charge
- London Congestion Charge: From December 25, 2025, all vehicles, including electric and hydrogen-fueled cars, will be required to pay the £15 congestion charge when traveling through London’s congestion-charge zones. This measure is intended to further reduce traffic congestion in central London.
7. Financial Updates
- Energy Price Cap: On January 1, 2025, the energy price cap is set to increase, raising the average annual cost to £1,738. This adjustment reflects changes in the energy market and aims to protect consumers from volatile prices.
8. Transportation
- Public Transport Fares: Bus and train fares are expected to rise in 2025. The bus fare cap will increase to £3, and train fares are projected to go up by 4.6% starting March 2, 2025. These changes are part of broader adjustments in the transportation sector.
These legal updates reflect the UK’s ongoing efforts to adapt its legislative framework to current economic, technological, and social developments. It’s essential for individuals and businesses to stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance and adjust to the evolving legal landscape.