News & Articles
Government Update: US Tariffs and Post-Brexit Export Regulations
The latest Government update brings a series of important announcements that could affect the giftware and retail industries; from shifts in trade and export rules (including updates on US tariffs and post-Brexit export regulations) to new regulatory and compliance measures. The GA is committed to helping members make sense of these changes and understand what they mean for supply chains, cost-management and exporting opportunities.
Announcements and Calls for Evidence
DfE Adult Essential Skills Review:
The Department for Education is reviewing the Essential Digital Skills (EDS) standards to ensure they remain relevant and reflect the real-world digital capabilities that employers need today – and in the future.
Essential digital skills for work are the baseline digital competencies that almost all workers need to confidently use digital devices, applications and services in a professional setting, regardless of their job role or sector. Examples include; managing emails, finding and storing digital information securely and using collaboration tools.
By contributing your insights you will help us to understand:
Which digital skills are most needed across sectors
How digital skills needs are evolving
How we can ensure the standards are relevant and aligned to these needs
We would be grateful for your support in three ways:
1. Complete the survey – It takes around 5-10 minutes. Your insights will directly inform the updated standards.
DfE Consultation: Future Essential Digital Skills Standards – Employer Insights – Fill in form – please respond by 11:59 PM on Friday 19th December.
2. Share the survey with employers in your networks.
3. Encourage participation to help ensure a broad and representative evidence base.
DfE are also seeking volunteers to take part in a 60-minute virtual session during the week commencing 15 December to discuss the standards in more detail. You/members will be able to express interest via the survey.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Essential.DIGITALSKILLS@education.gov.uk
Home Office publishes consultation on ‘Earned Settlement”
The government has launched its proposals to reform the settlement system. Settlement will no longer be automatic after a fixed period. Migrants will need to earn it by demonstrating sustained good conduct, contribution and integration. Consultation closes: 23:59, 12 February 2026.
Chancellor announces increase to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage
The government has recently taken further action to ease the cost of living having frozen rail fares, prescription fees and uprated the Triple lock.
First published.
Energising Britain: Your voice in our Clean Energy Superpower Mission
Find out how the government is helping people access the benefits of climate and nature action.
First published.
Winter of Action to crack down on town centre crime
A nationwide crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour this winter has been launched.
First published.
More homes and improved high streets for new mayoral areas through 30-year funding package - GOV.UK
More homes, better high streets and support for businesses are on the way as six fast-tracked devolution areas have secured multi-billion-pound funding.
Chancellor announces increase to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage - GOV.UK
The government has recently taken further action to ease the cost of living having frozen rail fares, prescription fees and uprated the Triple lock.
The Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC) has partnered with the University of Manchester to access its research and expertise and drive forward recommendations for the Government’s Industrial Strategy.
Government brings in measures to help tackle child poverty
Savings for families on baby formula as government brings in measures to help tackle child poverty.
First published.
Boost for businesses as new powers save contracts for local areas
Billion pound boost for small businesses as councils get new powers to save contracts for local communities
First published.
Small business access to finance
This call for evidence seeks views, evidence and experiences of applying for and accessing debt finance in the UK for small businesses.
‘Government response to access to finance call for evidence’ added
Regulations, Compliance, Supply Chains, Procurement, and reporting requirements
Modern Slavery Act Statement 2025 to 2026
We have agreed management responsibility for this policy and statement and received unanimous endorsement from our Executive Management Team and our Board.
First published.
The Procurement Review Unit (PRU) will have responsibility for oversight of the new Procurement Act 2023
Links included to PPRS Annual reports and case resolutions pages.
Competition: Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Open Call for Innovation – CY2025 – Cycle 4
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) uses the Open Call for Innovation to find ideas that address challenges across both Defence and Security landscapes.
As work continues towards UKDI Full Operating Capability the Open Call for Innovation will be closed from the end of Cycle 4, which has been extended to 13 January 2026. The new service will reopen prior to UKDI Full Operating Capability in July 2026.
EU Regulation:
Summary of European Commission guidance on the EU CBAM for UK exporters
This page is intended to help UK exporters of goods in scope of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to identify relevant EU guidance and information.
Signposting added to a new page outlining important information for UK businesses on EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (EU CBAM) as it enters its definitive phase on 1 January 2026.
IP
UK-China Intellectual Property Newsletter
At the end of every month we publish a newsletter covering recent intellectual property (IP) developments in China.
Updated China IP Newsletter November 2025
Goods Movement
Country codes for the Customs Declaration Service
Find codes to use in the Customs Declaration Service (Appendix 13).
Details have been added to tables 1 and 2 to reflect the UK’s recognition of Palestine.
Trade, investment, and export support
UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement: Trade Partnership Committee meeting 4 December 2025, agenda
This page provides information about the fifth meeting of the Trade Partnership Committee under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
First published.
UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement: Trade Partnership Committee meeting 12 December 2024, minutes
These are minutes from the fourth meeting of the Trade Partnership Committee under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
First published.
Sanctions
Who is subject to financial sanctions in the UK?
HM Treasury notice, Russia, 04/12/2025 and HM Treasury notice, Cyber, 04/12/2025 added. HM Treasury Notice, Russia, 28/11/2025 added.
Skills, employment, and training
Regulatory framework for Apprenticeship Assessment – Conditions, requirements and guidance
Proposals for the regulation of the new arrangements for apprenticeship assessment.
First published.
Employer support fund for T Level industry placements
Information for providers and employers about the employer support fund (ESF) for the 2025 to 2026 financial year.
Updated ‘ESF: guidance for providers and employers’ with information on using invoices as receipts when claiming staff hours and pay.
Sustainability, Resources and Waste, including EPR (packaging)
Recyclability assessment methodology: supplementary guidance
Read additional information that clarifies the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) if you’re an obligated producer of household packaging waste under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging.
Added examples of how producers can evidence consumer takeback schemes
Common biomass sustainability framework
We’re seeking views on a common biomass sustainability framework to strengthen existing biomass criteria and ensure greater consistency across sectors.
First published.
Defra Circular Economy Newsletter Friday 28 November: defracollectionandpackagingreform.cmail19.com/t/t-e-gujhlo-trhridjluy-jt/