On 22 July 2025, several landmark policy updates came into force across immigration, digital regulation, and financial markets. Here’s what individuals, employers, and online businesses should know. Detail discussion about UK Rule Updates.

1. Major Immigration Reform Takes Effect

Skilled Worker visa tightened — One of the most impactful changes was the increase in the minimum qualification requirement from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 (degree-level) for Skilled Worker roles. Jobs below degree standard are no longer eligible for sponsorship after this date. Employers and current sponsors must ensure roles comply with the new criteria or risk non-compliance.

Impact on existing workers — Workers with Skilled Worker status before 22 July 2025 were allowed to continue roles under the older (pre‑July) rules. However, future extensions or new sponsorships must meet the new RQF 6 threshold.

Care sector restrictions — From 22 July, hiring for overseas care workers from outside the UK was prohibited. Existing cases remain unaffected, but further recruitment in that sector must come from domestic labor or TFN (temporary worker) schemes.

2. Visa & Settlement Rule Overhaul

The UK’s Immigration White Paper’s initial phase launched on this date, signaling reduced net migration aims. Key reforms focus on higher salary and skills thresholds, shorter settlement timelines, and revamped visa pathways aligned more closely with economic priorities.

Employers must revisit workforce planning—job roles and salary offers may need restructuring to comply with new sponsorship rules.

3. Skilled Worker Supplementary Employment Rules Changed

Under the new regulations effective 22 July, Skilled Workers may only take on supplementary employment in roles at RQF 6 or listed on the Immigration Salary List. Any second job below degree level even if popular or complementary cannot be legally taken on.

For example:

• A nurse or engineer (level 6) could hold a non-primary second job in a similar field.
• A care worker (below RQF 6) hired before 22 July remains exempt, but after this date cannot take additional work outside permitted categories.

4. Online Safety Act Compliance—More Enforcement Begins

Enforced by Ofcom from 25 July 2025, the Online Safety Act mandates robust age verification and harmful-content protections across all online platforms even those based abroad.

• Platforms must conduct risk assessments, embed algorithm accountability, and employ strong age-gate systems such as photo ID or AI facial verification.
• Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover.
  

Despite political criticism from Reform UK calling for repeal, the government has confirmed it will not repeal the Act, emphasizing the importance of child safety and digital protections.

The rules have triggered a 500% surge in VPN use within the UK, as users and media platforms try to bypass age verification. Privacy groups warn of data risks from required ID verification.

5. Financial Market Reforms Rolled Out

On 14 July 2025, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) unveiled reforms designed to streamline capital raising:

• Companies raising under 75% of existing share capital can issue new equity without a full prospectus (previous threshold was 20%).
• IPO timelines shortened to three days.
• A new ‘public offers’ platform launched for capital raises above £5 million, offering a bond‑like crowdfunding alternative.
  These aim to boost SME access to investment and fast-track public market entry.
  

Summary Table: What Changed from 22 July 2025

Implications & Next Steps

For Employers:

• Re-evaluate sponsored roles to ensure they meet degree-level qualification requirements.
• Reassess supplementary employment policies for current Sponsored Workers.
• Plan for new internal hiring routes in care and hospitality.

For Visa Holders:

• If holding a Skilled Worker visa issued prior to 22 July, you may continue your current role but any visa extension or change must comply with new thresholds.
• Take care with second jobs—only highly skilled roles now remain legal.

For Online Businesses:

• Ensure full compliance with the Online Safety Act before fines become enforceable on 25 July.
• Implement strict age verification and perform content risk assessments now.

For Businesses Seeking Investment:

• Take advantage of FCA reforms crowdfunding, public offers, and capital raising are more accessible.
• Prepare investor-ready structures to utilize simplified prospectus frameworks.

Why These Changes Matter

• The UK is shifting to a higher-skilled immigration model, reducing reliance on medium-skilled overseas labor in sectors like care.
• Digital platforms now face real legal accountability for age verification and harmful content control.
• Capital markets reforms are meant to enable small/mid-tier businesses to raise funds faster and more affordably, spurring growth.

In summary, 22 July 2025 marked a pivotal moment for UK policy, with new immigration rules raising skill thresholds, tightening secondary job rules, enforcing tougher digital regulation, and simplifying finance rules for public fundraising. Whether you are an employer, visa holder, online platform owner, or growing business, understanding and adapting to these changes promptly is crucial.