The UK is set to experience a series of transformative legal changes in 2025, with significant implications across multiple sectors including health, housing, employment, and travel. These updates aim to improve public health, safeguard workers’ rights, enhance environmental sustainability, and reform outdated systems. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key changes.
Ban on Disposable Vapes
From June 1, 2025, the sale of disposable vapes will be prohibited nationwide. Businesses are being given until this date to clear existing stock and prepare for the new law. This initiative, part of a broader push to address environmental waste, was described by Minister Mary Creagh as essential to “end this nation’s throwaway culture.”
- Rationale: Disposable vapes contribute significantly to urban waste and environmental harm.
- Impact: The ban aligns with the government’s strategy for a circular economy aimed at reducing waste and achieving net-zero emissions.
New Wage and Employment Laws
In April 2025, millions of workers will see an increase in their wages, with the National Living Wage rising to £12.21 per hour (a 6.7% increase). For younger workers, the National Minimum Wage will rise from £8.60 to £10.00 per hour, marking the largest increase on record.
- Affected Workers: Over 3.5 million employees will benefit from these changes.
- Other Provisions: Apprentices will see their minimum hourly wage increase from £6.40 to £7.55.
The government has also committed to phasing out age brackets for wage rates, introducing a uniform rate for all adults.
Housing Reforms: Renters’ and Leaseholders’ Protections
Renters’ Rights
The Renters’ Rights Bill will end “no-fault” evictions under Section 21. The reforms will:
- Restrict landlords from evicting tenants without valid reasons.
- Introduce caps on rent increases to once per year at market rates.
- Require landlords to provide clear rental terms to avoid bidding wars.
Leasehold Reforms
The Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill, set for implementation in 2025, will :
- Abolish the “two-year rule,” allowing leaseholders immediate enfranchisement rights.
- Introduce measures for fairer service charges and management controls.
- Transition towards a commonhold system, providing homeowners direct ownership of their properties.
Health-Focused Initiatives
- Tobacco and Vape Regulations : The government aims to create the first “smoke-free generation” by incrementally raising the legal age for tobacco purchases.
- Advertising Restrictions : From October 2025, junk food ads will be banned on TV before 9 PM and online to combat childhood obesity.
Travel and Immigration Updates
New Rules for UK Visitors
Starting April 2025, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system will apply to all visitors entering the UK, costing £10 for two years of eligibility. This measure enhances border security and streamlines immigration processes.
EU Travel Changes
UK tourists traveling to the EU will be required to pay a €7 fee for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This new system will necessitate biometric data at EU borders under the Entry/Exit System (EES), both scheduled for phased implementation in 2025.
Environmental and Tax Policy Updates
The UK government is introducing a range of measures in 2025 to align taxation with its environmental goals. These policies aim to ensure that the transition to greener technologies, like electric vehicles, is economically sustainable while promoting fairness across the tax system.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
From April 1, 2025, EV owners will begin paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED):
- New EVs will incur a £10 first-year tax, rising to £190 annually from the second year.
- Owners of EVs worth over £40,000 will also pay an additional £410 annual surcharge.
Non-Dom Tax Reform
The Labour government plans to abolish the non-dom tax regime, transitioning to a residence-based system. This will ensure UK residents with foreign domiciles are taxed on their global earnings.
Expanded Childcare and Parental Leave
From September 2025, working parents will receive 30 hours of free childcare weekly for children aged nine months to school age. Additionally, statutory parental leave and sick pay rates will increase slightly, with maternity pay rising to £187.18 per week.
Rail Renationalisation
Labour’s rail renationalisation plans will commence in 2025, starting with South Western Railway, c2c, and Greater Anglia services. By year-end, 40% of UK rail journeys are expected to be on publicly-owned services, improving reliability and accessibility.
