Labour market concerns are an area of increasing interest for competition authorities globally. Mark Daniels and Richard Whish KC (Hon) discuss this trend and, in particular, the “competing for talent” guidance the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published in September 2025.

The Finance Bill 2026 had its second reading in the House of Commons on December 16, 2025. This followed the Bill's first Commons reading on December 2, 2025, and its publication on December 4, 2025. No amendments were made to the Bill.

The Regulator published its annual overview of the occupational DB and hybrid scheme landscape in the UK, reporting on scheme status, membership levels and assets under management, on December 16, 2025.

In a statement released on December 18, 2025, the Pensions Minister, Torsten Bell, confirmed that the automatic enrolment thresholds for 2026/27 will be maintained at their 2025/26 levels. This follows the statutory annual review.

The Regulator has published a consultation on a revised collective defined contribution (CDC) code of practice to encompass the introduction of multi-employer CDC schemes for savers.

The Pensions Ombudsman has published information to help members (or other beneficiaries) of pension schemes understand the key issues that arise when a pension has been overpaid.

The DWP launched a consultation, “Trust-based pension schemes: Trustees and governance, building a stronger future” on December 15, 2025.

Targeted support is focused assistance for groups of individuals facing similar challenges. It aims to bridge the gap between generic help and bespoke, paid-for advice.