On the 30 September, the Home Office announced a number of changes to the Immigration Rules which came into effect on 1 October 2013 following a written ministerial statement which was issued on 6 September 2013. The changes are detailed in the Statement of Changes (HC628) to the Immigration Rules, and there are a number of changes that affect Tier 4 of the Points Based System (PBS) for those who want to enter the UK as students.
The Immigration Bill 2013-2014 was published on 10 October 2013, and the second reading in the House of Commons took place on 22 October 2013. The Bill is expected to receive royal assent in spring 2014.
The doctrine of ‘frustration’ has developed mainly in the area of commercial contracts. The doctrine, which is narrowly applied by the courts, describes a situation which can occur where an event takes place which is beyond the control of both parties to an agreement, and which was not anticipated in the contract.
The EAT also observed that although that the doctrine of frustration applies to contracts of employment, the behaviour of the employer in sending out the P45 without enquiry or procedure is ‘neither good practice nor even common practice where there has been a long period of absence’.
On 1 October 2013, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced important changes to the legislation which are intended to help organisations comply with health and safety law. The changes have been implemented following a recommendation made in a review of health and safety legislation by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt (King’s College, London).