Purpose
This update summarises key legal developments issued between 1 and 31 May 2026. It highlights changes affecting Quality, Environment, Information Security and Health & Safety, supporting organisations in identifying new and emerging compliance duties
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Upcoming legislation
These measures have been announced or remain under Parliamentary consideration and are not yet in force.
Commercial Payments Bill (Update)
Status: Bill under Parliamentary consideration
Introduces a strengthened legislative framework for commercial payment practices, focusing on late payments to SMEs, enhanced reporting requirements, and potential limits on payment periods.
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill (Update)
Status: Bill progressing through Parliament
Proposes expansion and modernisation of the UK NIS framework, including wider scope, strengthened cyber resilience requirements, and enhanced enforcement powers.
New legislation
These legal texts were made and published during May 2026 and now form part of official legislation, even where commencement is phased or to be confirmed.
Employment Rights Act 2025 (Commencement No. 4 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026
Commencement: To be confirmed
Introduces further provisions of the Employment Rights Act 2025, continuing phased implementation of employment protections and employer obligations, supported by transitional arrangements.
Building Safety (Responsible Actors Scheme and Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Commencement: To be confirmed
Strengthens the Responsible Actors Scheme, including updated remediation obligations, revised eligibility criteria, and enhanced enforcement measures for developers addressing fire safety defects.
Goods Vehicles (Testing, Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Commencement: To be confirmed
Updates requirements for vehicle testing, drivers’ hours and tachograph use, improving road safety, compliance monitoring, and alignment with operational practices.
Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/484)
Commenced: 21 May 2026
Amends GB chemicals legislation, including CLP, BPR and PIC regimes, replacing retained EU provisions and introducing transitional arrangements to maintain regulatory continuity.
Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 11) Regulations 2026
Commencement: Phased
Brings further provisions of the Environment Act 2021 into force, supporting environmental governance, oversight mechanisms, and implementation of environmental targets.
Biodiversity Gain Site Register (Amendment) Regulations 2026
Commencement: To be confirmed
Updates the framework for biodiversity gain site registration, management, and monitoring, supporting delivery of biodiversity net gain requirements in England.
Contracts for Difference (Sustainable Industry Rewards and Contract Budget Notice Amendments) Regulations 2026
Commencement: To be confirmed
Introduces amendments to the CfD regime, incorporating sustainability incentives and refining allocation and funding mechanisms for lowcarbon energy projects.
Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/549)
Commencement: To be confirmed
Activates further provisions of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, supporting phased planning reform and infrastructure delivery changes.
Significant amendments
The following matters represent substantive changes to existing compliance frameworks arising from May 2026 developments.
- Expansion of commercial payment transparency and enforcement proposals under the Commercial Payments Bill.
- Reform of UK cyber security requirements through proposed changes to the NIS framework, including expanded scope and strengthened governance expectations.
- Continued phased implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025, requiring ongoing monitoring of employment law changes.
- Strengthening of building safety enforcement and remediation obligations under the Responsible Actors Scheme amendments.
- Updates to transport compliance requirements, including drivers’ hours, vehicle testing, and tachograph data management.
- Structural reform of chemicals regulation in Great Britain, replacing retained EU frameworks with updated domestic regimes.
- Ongoing rollout of Environment Act 2021 provisions, reinforcing environmental governance and regulatory oversight.
- Enhancement of biodiversity net gain implementation through updates to the Biodiversity Gain Site Register framework.
- Integration of sustainability and industrial policy objectives into energy subsidy mechanisms under the CfD regime.
- Continued phased reform of planning and infrastructure legislation, requiring alignment with updated procedures and transitional arrangements.
