Workforce Challenges 2026: Data Protection, Immigration and Employment

We will examine the implications for employers of the shift towards an ‘’earned settlement’’ model and an extended qualifying period for ILR on talent recruitment, retention, and sponsorship costs. We will also discuss the wider political context and what employers can do to prepare for a more restrictive immigration environment.

The second part of the session will look at how far employers can go with automated decision making, workplace monitoring and biometric data. We will examine the latest ICO guidance, legal boundaries, and best‑practice approaches in a privacy‑conscious workplace.