Migrants will need A-level standard English to work in UK
From 8 January 2026, skilled worker, scale-up and HPI visa applicants must reach B2 (A-level) English in speaking, listening, reading and writing, tested in person.
Up to 300 Tube staff at risk of being deported as Government faces calls to suspend new visa rules
Hundreds of London Underground staff face deportation after tightened skilled-worker visa rules and higher salary thresholds removed key transport roles from sponsorship eligibility.
Hundreds of modern slavery victims are working in UK's hospitality industry'
Hundreds of modern slavery victims are exploited in the UK's hospitality sector, while Independent-funded journalism uses donations to support paywall-free reporting.