The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Enforcement) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026
These Regulations, operating under the powers granted by the Employment Rights Act 2025, make necessary consequential amendments to various pieces of secondary legislation to align them with the new enforcement structure established by the 2025 Act, chiefly involving the transfer of functions previously held by the now-abolished Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) to the Secretary of State and integrating new enforcement officers into regulatory and financial investigation frameworks.
Arguments For
These regulations implement necessary technical updates to secondary legislation, ensuring consistency across employment and gangmaster licensing frameworks following the enactment of the Employment Rights Act 2025.
The amendments streamline enforcement responsibilities by transferring functions previously held by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) to the Secretary of State, centralizing oversight under government authority.
Updating cross-references, such as replacing references to the abolished Employment Agencies Act 1973 provisions with corresponding sections in the 2025 Act, maintains legal continuity and clarity in regulatory documents.
Adjustments to rules concerning investigations under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 integrate new enforcement personnel authorized under the 2025 Act into existing financial investigation structures.
Arguments Against
Transferring powers from the specialized Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) to the Secretary of State may diminish focused regulatory scrutiny in sectors historically reliant on the GLAA's specialized expertise in labour exploitation, potentially leading to regulatory gaps.
Wholesale substitution of 'Authority' with 'Secretary of State' across numerous appeal and operational regulations for gangmaster licensing introduces complexity and requires significant procedural adjustments within regulated bodies and appeal secretariats.
The abolition of the GLAA's role, reflected in the removal of references across multiple specific instruments, represents a substantial structural change that requires close monitoring to ensure worker protection standards are maintained or enhanced, rather than diminished.
The inclusion of new enforcement officer grades within the Regulation of Investigatory Powers framework may expand surveillance and covert intelligence capabilities in ways not fully scrutinized at the secondary legislation level.
STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS
2026 No. 302
EMPLOYMENT
The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Enforcement) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026
Made - - -
16th March 2026
Laid before Parliament
17th March 2026
Coming into force -
7th April 2026
The Secretary of State makes these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 154(1) and (2) and 156(3) of the Employment Rights Act 2025( 1 ).
These are the official details for Statutory Instrument 2026 No. 302, titled The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Enforcement) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026.
The Secretary of State made these rules on March 16, 2026, following parliamentary procedures, and they came into force on April 7, 2026.
These regulations are enacted using powers provided by sections 154(1) and (2) and 156(3) of the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Citation, commencement and extent
- -(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Employment Rights Act 2025 (Enforcement) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026 and come into force on 7th April 2026.
- (2) Any amendment made by these Regulations has the same extent as the provision amended.
Regulation 1 establishes the official title of these rules as the Employment Rights Act 2025 (Enforcement) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2026 and confirms the commencement date of April 7, 2026.
Furthermore, any changes made by these Regulations apply only to the geographical or jurisdictional areas covered by the original provision they are amending.
Amendments to the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003
- -(1) The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003( 2 ) are amended as follows.
- (2) In regulation 13A(3)(b)(iii) (key information document: employment businesses), for 'section 8A of the Employment Agencies Act 1973' substitute 'section 90 of the Employment Rights Act 2025'.
- (3) In regulation 29(4) (records), for 'section 9 of the Act' substitute 'sections 96 or 97 of the Employment Rights Act 2025'.
Regulation 2 amends the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.
It updates a reference within the rules for the key information document, replacing a section from the outdated Employment Agencies Act 1973 with section 90 of the new Employment Rights Act 2025.
It also updates record-keeping requirements, substituting references to section 9 of the previous Act with sections 96 or 97 of the 2025 Act.
Amendments to the Gangmasters (Appeals) Regulations 2006
- -(1) The Gangmasters (Appeals) Regulations 2006( 3 ) are amended as follows.
- (2) In regulation 1(2) (citation, commencement and interpretation)-
( 1 ) 2025 c. 36.
( 2 ) S.I. 2003/3319, amended by S.I. 2016/510 and 2019/725. There are other amending instruments but none is relevant.
( 3 ) S.I. 2006/662.
- (a) in the definition of 'decision with immediate effect', for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (b) in the definition of 'decision document', for 'Authority', substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (c) in the definition of 'disputed decision', for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (d) in the definition of 'licence', for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(3) In regulation 5(1) (decisions which may be appealed and effect of appeal on licence), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(4) In regulation 7(2) (acknowledgement and notification of the appeal), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(5) In regulation 8(4) (amendment and withdrawal of the appeal and supporting documentation), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(6) In regulation 9 (reply by the Authority)-
- (a) in the heading, for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (b) in paragraph (1), for 'Authority', in both places it occurs, substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (c) in paragraph (2)-
- (i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (ii) for 'its' substitute 'the';
- (iii) for 'it' substitute 'the Secretary of State';
- (d) in paragraph (3)-
- (i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (ii) for 'it' substitute 'the Secretary of State'.
(7) In regulation 10 (contents of the reply)-
- (a) in the opening words, for 'Authority's' substitute 'Secretary of State's';
- (b) in paragraph (a), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (c) in paragraph (b), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (d) in paragraph (c)-
- (i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (ii) for 'Authority's' substitute 'Secretary of State's'.
(8) In regulation 11 (action by Secretariat on receipt of reply)-
- (a) in the opening words, for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (b) in paragraph (a)-
- (i) for 'Authority', in both places it occurs, substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (ii) for 'it' substitute 'the Secretary of State'.
(9) In regulation 12 (amendment of the reply and supporting documentation)-
- (a) in paragraph (1)-
- (i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (ii) for 'its' substitute 'the Secretary of State's';
- (b) in paragraph (2), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (c) in paragraph (3), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(10) In regulation 15 (power to decide the appeal without an oral hearing)-
(a) in paragraph (2)(b)-
(i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
(ii) for 'its' substitute 'a';
(b) in paragraph (3), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(11) In regulation 16 (action by Secretariat in fixing a hearing date)-
- (a) in paragraph (1), for 'Authority's' substitute 'Secretary of State's';
- (b) in paragraph (3), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(12) In regulation 17(2) (procedure preliminary to oral hearing), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(13) In regulation 25(2) (delivery)-
- (a) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (b) for 'its' substitute 'the Secretary of State's'.
Regulation 3 extensively amends the Gangmasters (Appeals) Regulations 2006, principally by substituting every instance of the word 'Authority' (referring to the body responsible for these appeals, which is being dissolved) with 'Secretary of State'.
This applies to definitions, decisions that can be appealed, notification processes, replies from the decision-making body, actions by the Secretariat, and decisions made without hearings.
The change effectively transfers the responsibility for gangmaster licensing appeals to the Secretary of State.
Amendments to the Gangmasters (Appeals) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006
- -(1) The Gangmasters (Appeals) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006( 4 ) are amended as follows.
(2) In regulation 2(1) (interpretation)-
- (a) omit the definition of 'the Authority';
- (b) in the definition of 'decision with immediate effect', for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (c) in the definition of 'decision document', for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (d) in the definition of 'disputed decision', for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (e) in the definition of 'licence', for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (f) in the definition of 'the parties', for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(3) In regulation 5(1) (decisions which may be appealed and effect of appeal on licence), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(4) In regulation 7(2) (acknowledgement and notification of the appeal), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(5) In regulation 8(4) (amendment and withdrawal of the appeal and supporting documentation), for 'Secretary of State'.
(6) In regulation 9 (reply by the Authority)-
(a) in the heading, for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
(b) in paragraph (1), for 'Authority', in both places it occurs, substitute 'Secretary of State';
(c) in paragraph (2)-
(i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
(ii) for 'its' substitute 'the';
(iii) for 'it' substitute 'the Secretary of State';
(d) in paragraph (3)-
(i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
(ii) for 'it' substitute 'the Secretary of State'.
(7) In regulation 10 (contents of the reply)-
(a) in the opening words, for 'Authority's' substitute 'Secretary of State's';
(b) in paragraph (a), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
(c) in paragraph (b), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
(d) in paragraph (c)-
(i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
(ii) for 'Authority's' substitute 'Secretary of State's'.
(8) In regulation 11 (action by Secretariat on receipt of reply)-
(a) for 'Authority', in each place it occurs, substitute 'Secretary of State';
(b) in paragraph (a), for 'it' substitute 'the Secretary of State'.
(9) In regulation 12 (amendment of the reply and supporting documentation)-
(a) in paragraph (1)-
(i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
(ii) for 'its' substitute 'the';
(b) in paragraph (2), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
(c) in paragraph (3), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(10) In regulation 15 (power to decide the appeal without an oral hearing)-
(a) in paragraph (2)(b)-
(i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
(ii) for 'its' substitute 'a';
(b) in paragraph (3), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(11) In regulation 16 (action by Secretariat in fixing a hearing date)-
(a) in paragraph (1), for 'Authority's' substitute 'Secretary of State's';
(b) in paragraph (3), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
(12) In regulation 17(2) (procedure preliminary to oral hearing), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
- (13) In regulation 25(2) (delivery)-
- (a) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (b) for 'its' substitute 'the Secretary of State's'.
Regulation 4 makes parallel amendments to the Gangmasters (Appeals) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 to reflect the changes concerning enforcement powers in Great Britain.
It removes the definition of 'the Authority' entirely and substitutes 'Secretary of State' for 'Authority' throughout the regulations concerning appeal definitions and processes, mirroring the centralization of function seen in the Great Britain regulations.
Amendment to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Authorisations Extending to Scotland) Order 2007
- In the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Authorisations Extending to Scotland) Order 2007( 5 ), in Column 1 of the Schedule to the Order, omit the entry for 'The Gangmasters Labour and Abuse Authority'.
Regulation 5 amends the 2007 Order concerning investigatory powers authorized to extend to Scotland.
It removes the specific entry for 'The Gangmasters Labour and Abuse Authority' from the schedule, reflecting the abolition of that body.
Amendment to the Legislative and Regulatory Reform (Regulatory Functions) Order 2007
- In the Legislative and Regulatory Reform (Regulatory Functions) Order 2007( 6 ), in Part 1 of the Schedule to the Order, omit the entry for the 'Gangmasters Labour and Abuse Authority'.
Regulation 6 amends the Legislative and Regulatory Reform (Regulatory Functions) Order 2007 by removing the 'Gangmasters Labour and Abuse Authority' from the list of bodies whose regulatory functions are specified in Part 1 of the Schedule.
Amendments to the Gangmasters (Licensing Conditions) Rules 2009
- -(1) The Gangmasters (Licensing Conditions) Rules 2009( 7 ) are amended as follows.
- (2) In rule 3 (application for a licence)-
- (a) in paragraph (1), for 'Authority', in both places it occurs, substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (b) in paragraph (3)-
- (i) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (ii) in sub-paragraph (a)-
- (aa) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (bb) for 'its' substitute 'the Secretary of State's';
(iii) in sub-paragraph (b)-
- (aa) for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (bb) for 'its' substitute 'the Secretary of State's';
- (c) in paragraph (4), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
- (3) In rule 4(3) (licence conditions), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
- (4) In rule 6(1) (fees), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
- (5) In the Schedule (licence conditions)-
- (a) in paragraph 5 (obligation to provide information)-
- (i) in sub-paragraph (1), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (ii) in sub-paragraph (2), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (iii) in sub-paragraph (3), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (iv) in sub-paragraph (4), for 'or compliance officer' substitute ', enforcement officer appointed under section 90 of the Employment Rights Act 2025 or the Secretary of State';
- (b) in paragraph 6 (inspection of the business), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State';
- (c) in paragraph 25 (general provisions relating to records), for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
Regulation 7 updates the Gangmasters (Licensing Conditions) Rules 2009 to reflect the transfer of functions.
It replaces references to the 'Authority' with the 'Secretary of State' in rules concerning license applications, conditions, fees, and record-keeping.
Notably, it also inserts a reference to an 'enforcement officer appointed under section 90 of the Employment Rights Act 2025' as an authorized person who can receive information or inspect a business, alongside the Secretary of State.
Amendments to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) Order 2010
- -(1) The Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Sources) Order 2010( 8 ) is amended as follows.
(2) In Part 1 of the Schedule (offices etc. and restrictions in respect of public authorities specified in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Act)-
(a) in the entry for the Department for Business and Trade-
(i) in column (2) of the table, after 'An investigating officer in the Insolvency Service at Grade 7 or above', insert 'An enforcement officer appointed under section 90 of the Employment Rights Act 2025, at or above the grade of senior executive officer';
(ii) in the corresponding entry in column (3) of the table, insert '-';
(iii) in the corresponding entry in column (4) of the table, insert 'Paragraph (b)';
(b) omit the entry for 'The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority'.
Regulation 8 targets the 2010 Order regarding covert surveillance and intelligence sources.
It removes the explicit entry for the now-defunct 'Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.' Concurrently, it amends the authorisations specified for the Department for Business and Trade by adding 'An enforcement officer appointed under section 90 of the Employment Rights Act 2025, at or above the grade of senior executive officer' as an authorized person for directed surveillance and covert human intelligence sources.
Amendments to the Gangmasters Licensing (Exclusions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014
- In the Gangmasters Licensing (Exclusions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014( 9 ), in regulation 2(1) (interpretation)-
- (a) omit the definition of 'the Authority';
- (b) in the definition of 'licence', for 'Authority' substitute 'Secretary of State'.
Regulation 9 updates the 2014 Northern Ireland exclusions regulations concerning gangmaster licensing.
It removes the definition referencing 'the Authority' and substitutes the 'Secretary of State' where 'Authority' was previously used in the definition of 'licence'.
Amendments to the Economic Growth (Regulatory Functions) Order 2017
- -(1) The Economic Growth (Regulatory Functions) Order 2017( 10 ) is amended as follows.
- (2) In Part 1 of the Schedule to the Order-
- (a) omit 'Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority';
- (b) after the entry for Traffic Commissioners, insert- 'The Secretary of State under or by virtue of the labour market legislation listed in Part 1 of Schedule 7 to the Employment Rights Act 2025
Regulation 10 amends the Economic Growth (Regulatory Functions) Order 2017.
It removes the GLAA from Part 1 of the Schedule and inserts a new entry designating the Secretary of State as the body responsible for regulatory functions under specific labour market legislation listed in Schedule 7 of the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Amendment to the Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017
- In the Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017( 11 ), in Part 5 of Schedule 1 to the Regulations (public authorities), omit paragraph 102.
Regulation 11 removes paragraph 102 from the list of public authorities in Schedule 1 of the Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017, as the body previously listed there (the GLAA) is no longer a relevant public authority.
Amendment to the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017
- In the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017( 12 ), in Schedule 2 to the Regulations (public authorities required to publish information), omit 'The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.'
Regulation 12 removes the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority from Schedule 2 of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017, as this body is no longer required to publish equality duty information.
Amendments to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Financial Investigators) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) Order 2021
- -(1) The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Financial Investigators) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) Order 2021( 13 ) is amended as follows.
- (2) In table 1 in Part 1 of Schedule 1 (Part 2 of the 2002 Act: confiscation: England and Wales)-
- (a) in column 2 of the entry for section 42(2)(c) (applications for restraint orders), in paragraph (c), omit sub-paragraph (xi);
- (b) in column 2 of the entry for section 68(3)(c) (authorisation for applications and appeals under Part 2), in paragraph (b), omit sub-paragraph (xi).
- (3) In table 2 in Part 2 of Schedule 1 (Part 4 of the 2002 Act: confiscation: Northern Ireland)-
- (a) in column 2 of the entry for section 191(2)(c) (application for restraint orders) in paragraph (c)-
- (i) after sub-paragraph (ii) insert-
( 9 ) S.R. 2006 No. 189, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.
( 10 ) S.I. 2007/267, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.
( 11 ) S.I. 2017/328, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.
( 12 ) S.I. 2017/353, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.
( 13 ) S.I. 2021/640, amended by S.I. 2024/425. There are other amending instruments but none is relevant.
Status: This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format.
'(iia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
(ii) omit sub-paragraph (xi);
- (b) in column 2 of the entry for section 216(3)(c) (authorisation for applications and appeals under Part 4), in paragraph (b)-
- (i) after sub-paragraph (ii) insert-
- '(iia) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
- (ii) omit sub-paragraph (xi).
(4) In table 3 in Part 3 of Schedule 1 (Part 5 of the 2002 Act: civil recovery of the proceeds etc. of unlawful conduct)-
- (a) in column 2 of the entry for Chapter 3 of Part 5-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (x);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
(aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
'(ia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
(bb) omit paragraph (x);
- (b) in column 2 of the entry for section 290(4)(c) (prior approval for search of cash)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, omit sub-paragraph (j);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland-
(aa) after sub-paragraph (a) insert-
- '(aa) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
(bb) omit sub-paragraph (j);
- (c) in column 2 of the entry for section 297A(6)(c) (forfeiture notice: senior officer)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, omit sub-paragraph (j);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland-
(aa) before sub-paragraph (a) insert-
- '(za) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
- (bb) omit sub-paragraph (f);
- (d) in column 2 of the entry for section 303C(9)(d), section 303L(5)(d) and section 303O(2) (d) (recovery of listed assets under Part 5, Chapter 3A: general)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (x);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
(aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
'(ia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
(bb) omit paragraph (x);
(e) in column 2 of the entry for section 303E(4)(f) (recovery of listed assets under Part 5, Chapter 3A: senior officers)-
(i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, omit sub-paragraph (j);
(ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland-
(aa) after sub-paragraph (a) insert-
- '(aa) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
(bb) omit sub-paragraph (j);
- (f) in column 2 of the entry for section 303Z1(6) and section 303Z14(3)(d) (freezing and forfeiture of money in accounts under Part 5, Chapter 3B: general)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (x);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
- (aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
'(ia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
- (bb) omit paragraph (x);
- (g) in column 2 of the entry for section 303Z2(4)(e) (freezing of money in accounts under Part 5, Chapter 3B: senior officers)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, omit sub-paragraph (j);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland-
(aa) after sub-paragraph (a) insert-
- '(aa) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
(bb) omit sub-paragraph (j);
- (h) in column 2 of the entry for sections 303Z20(4)(a)(iv), 303Z57(7)(a)(iv) and 303Z58(6) (a)(iv) (cryptoassets and converted cryptoassets: searches, seizure, detention, freezing and conversion under Chapters 3C, 3D and 3F of Part 5: general)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (xiii);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
(aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
'(ia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
- (bb) omit paragraph (x);
- (i) in column 2 of the entry for section 303Z20(4)(b)(v) (cryptoassets: searches, seizure, detention and freezing under Chapters 3C and 3D of Part 5: senior officers)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, omit sub-paragraph (m);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland-
(aa) after sub-paragraph (a) insert-
- '(aa) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
(bb) omit sub-paragraph (j);
(j) in column 2 of the entry for sections 303Z41 and 303Z60 (forfeiture of cryptoassets and converted cryptoassets)-
(i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (xiii);
(ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
(aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
'(ia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
(bb) omit paragraph (x).
- (5) In table 4 in Part 4 of Schedule 1 (Part 7 of the 2002 Act: money laundering)-
- (a) in column 2 of the entry for section 336D(7)(h) (senior officer for the purposes of section 336A (application to the court to extend the moratorium period))-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, omit sub-paragraph (k);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland-
(aa) after sub-paragraph (b) insert-
- '(ba) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
(bb) omit sub-paragraph (k).
- (6) In table 5 in Part 5 of Schedule 1 (Chapter 2 of Part 8 of the 2002 Act: investigations)-
- (a) in column 2 of the entry for sections 352(5)(c), (ca) and (cb), and 353(10)(c), (ca) and (cb) (search and seizure warrants)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (x);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
(aa) after paragraph (ii) insert-
'(iia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
(bb) omit paragraph (xi);
(b) in column 2 of the entry for section 378(1)(b) (confiscation investigations: appropriate officers)-
(i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, omit sub-paragraph (k);
(ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland-
(aa) after sub-paragraph (b) insert-
'(ba) the Department for Business and Trade;';
(bb) omit sub-paragraph (k);
(c) in column 2 of the entry for section 378(2)(d) (confiscation investigations: senior appropriate officers)-
(i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, omit sub-paragraph (k);
(ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland-
(aa) after sub-paragraph (b) insert-
'(ba) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
(bb) omit sub-paragraph (k);
(d) in column 2 of the entry for section 378(3A)(ab) (detained cash investigations: appropriate officers)-
(i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (x);
(ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
(aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
'(ia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
- (bb) omit paragraph (x);
- (e) in column 2 of the entry for section 378(3AA)(b) (detained cash investigations: senior appropriate officers)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (x);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
- (aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
- '(ia) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
- (bb) omit paragraph (x);
- (f) in column 2 of the entry for section 378(3C)(c) (detained property investigations: appropriate officers)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (x);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
- (aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
'(ia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
- (bb) omit paragraph (x);
- (g) in column 2 of the entry for section 378(3D)(c) (detained property investigations: senior appropriate officers)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (x);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
- (aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
- '(ia) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
- (bb) omit paragraph (x);
- (h) in column 2 of the entry for section 378(3E)(c) (frozen funds investigations: appropriate officers)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (x);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
- (aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
'(ia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
- (bb) omit paragraph (x);
- (i) in column 2 of the entry for section 378(3F)(c) (frozen funds investigations: senior appropriate officers)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (x);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
(aa) after paragraph (i) insert-
'(ia) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
(bb) omit paragraph (x);
- (j) in column 2 of the entry for section 378(4)(a) (money laundering investigations: appropriate officers)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (xi);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
(aa) after paragraph (ii) insert-
'(iia) the Department for Business and Trade;';
(bb) omit paragraph (xi);
- (k) in column 2 of the entry for section 378(6)(c) (money laundering investigations: senior appropriate officers)-
- (i) in the paragraph relating to England and Wales, in sub-paragraph (b), omit paragraph (xi);
- (ii) in the paragraph relating to Northern Ireland, in sub-paragraph (b)-
(aa) after paragraph (ii) insert-
'(iia) the Department for Business and Trade and is at or above the grade of senior executive officer;';
(bb) omit paragraph (xi).
Regulation 13 amends the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 referencing order, specifically targeting the roles authorized to act as financial investigators in various confiscation and recovery proceedings across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
This significant amendment removes numerous specific references to GLAA personnel (identified by sub-paragraph (xi) or similar markers) across multiple tables relating to restraint orders, asset recovery, and money laundering investigations.
It simultaneously inserts references to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) personnel, often requiring a grade at or above senior executive officer, ensuring continuity of powers under the new structure.
Amendment to the Register of Overseas Entities (Disclosure and Dispositions) Regulations 2023
- In the Register of Overseas Entities (Disclosure and Dispositions) Regulations 2023( 14 ), omit paragraph 13 of the Schedule (specified persons).
Regulation 14 removes paragraph 13 from the Schedule of the Register of Overseas Entities (Disclosure and Dispositions) Regulations 2023, which previously specified persons who could be involved in the registration process, reflecting the removal of the GLAA's function.
Amendment to the Trade Union (Deduction of Union Subscriptions from Wages in the Public Sector) Regulations 2024
- In the Trade Union (Deduction of Union Subscriptions from Wages in the Public Sector) Regulations 2024( 15 ), omit paragraph 102 of Part 5 of the Schedule.
Regulation 15 amends the 2024 Regulations on trade union subscription deductions in the public sector by omitting paragraph 102 from Schedule 1, removing the GLAA from the list of specified public authorities.
16th March 2026
( 14 ) S.I. 2023/344.
( 15 ) S.I. 2024/143, to which there are amendments not relevant to these Regulations.
Kate Dearden Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department for Business and Trade
This details the signing of the instrument by Kate Dearden, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade, on March 16, 2026, and provides citations for the referenced 2023 and 2024 regulations.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations make amendments to secondary legislation which are consequential to changes made by Part 5 (Enforcement of Labour Market Legislation) of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (c. 36).
An impact assessment has not been produced for these Regulations as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen. The impact assessments for the Employment Rights Bill, introduced to Parliament on 10th October 2024, contain an assessment of the effect that the reforms to employment law and industrial relations law will have on the costs of business, the voluntary sector and the public sector. They are available at: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3737/ publications. Printed copies can be obtained from the Department for Business and Trade, Old Admiralty Building, Admiralty Place, London SW1A 2DY.
The explanatory note confirms the purpose of these regulations is to update various pieces of secondary legislation to align with Part 5 (Enforcement of Labour Market Legislation) of the Employment Rights Act 2025.
It states that no formal impact assessment was needed for these specific amendments because no significant impact on sectors was anticipated.
It directs readers to the broader impact assessments for the primary Employment Rights Bill for context on the reforms.
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