Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade · Original source
The government has launched a 12-week consultation on cracking down on bogus self-employment, where businesses mislabel staff as self-employed to avoid obligations such as the National Minimum Wage and holiday pay. External estimates suggest up to 900,000 people, including couriers, delivery drivers and gig workers, may be affected. Proposals also include a right to a written contract statement for the genuinely self-employed. The consultation closes on 8 January.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government · Original source
The Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill was introduced to Parliament on 14 October 2026, creating a legal duty on those responsible for buildings to identify, assess and fix safety issues without delay. The First-tier Tribunal could impose penalties of up to £500,000 for failing to comply with Remediation Orders, and Homes England or councils could step in where owners fail to act. A register of medium-rise residential buildings in England is also planned.
Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street · Original source
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has set out four steps to speed brain cancer treatments after meeting 25-year-old campaigner Archie Goodburn with Health Secretary Yvette Cooper. An expert review led by Professor Anthony Chalmers will report within three months, followed by a national action plan and a new national brain cancer clinical lead. The MHRA has been asked to finish its review of orphan drug rules in two years rather than three.
Department for Education · Original source
The Department for Education has launched England’s first national campaign to recruit foster carers, marked by a Number 10 event with carers and care-experienced people on 13 October 2026. The drive targets adults in their 30s and 40s and supports a goal of 10,000 new foster places by the end of this Parliament. DfE is providing £88 million for fostering reform, including £12.4 million for an innovation fund testing models such as respite and weekend fostering.
