Business Law Library & Tracker
Main UK Business Laws
Start with the main Acts, codes and regulations that shape everyday business decisions. Amendment Acts, specialist instruments and narrow source records are handled as updates or supporting material instead of cluttering this view.
Sources last reviewed 10 Aug 2026
Main law guides
122
Acts, regulations and codes worth reading first
Topics
60
Plain-English clusters
Published case explainers
143
Selected cases with a business lesson
Tracked updates
13
New, amended & reviewed
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
Get legal helpMain lawUnited Kingdom
Employment Act 2002
2002 c. 22
PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Insurance Act 2015
2015 c. 4
PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Contracts & CommercialRegulatory ComplianceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & Claims
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Agency Workers Regulations 2010
SI 2010/93
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & Workplace
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes Regulations 2015
SI 2015/542
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Consumer Law & TradingDigital & EcommerceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesConsumer Complaints & Dispute Resolution
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Arbitration Act 1996
UKPGA 1996 c 23
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialCopyright, Software & Digital ContentDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFranchising, Distribution & Dealerships
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Bribery Act 2010
UKPGA 2010 c 23
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Regulatory ComplianceContracts & CommercialFranchising, Distribution & DealershipsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceTelecommunications, Media & ContentHospitality, Alcohol & Gambling
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Building Safety Act 2022
UKPGA 2022 c 30
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Construction & TradesPlanning, Building & Local ApprovalsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008
SI 2008/1276
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Consumer Law & TradingContracts & CommercialAdvertising, Marketing & Promotions
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations 2012
SI 2012/3012
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Not-for-Profits & CharitiesCompanies & StartupsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceBusiness Identity, Registers & Filings
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Charities Act 2011
UKPGA 2011 c 25
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Not-for-Profits & CharitiesCompanies & StartupsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsCharities, Clubs & Member Governance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Charities Act 2022
UKPGA 2022 c 6
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Not-for-Profits & CharitiesRegulatory ComplianceLiquidation & RestructuringCharities, Clubs & Member Governance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014
UKPGA 2014 c 14
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Not-for-Profits & CharitiesCompanies & Startups
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993
SI 1993/3053
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialFranchising, Distribution & DealershipsInsurance Policies & Claims
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008
SI 2008/3229
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company Control
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Companies Act 2006
UKPGA 2006 c 46
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company ControlBusiness Identity, Registers & Filings
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986
UKPGA 1986 c 46
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsInsolvency & RestructuringDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Competition Act 1998
UKPGA 1998 c 41
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Consumer Law & TradingContracts & CommercialCompetition, Cartels & Market ConductFranchising, Distribution & DealershipsCharities, Clubs & Member Governance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
SI 2015/51
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Construction & TradesEmployment & WorkplaceContractors & Worker StatusWorkplace Health & SafetyCommercial Leases, Rent & OutgoingsConstruction Contracts & Payment
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013
SI 2013/3134
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Consumer Law & TradingDigital & Ecommerce
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Consumer Credit Act 1974
UKPGA 1974 c 39
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityConsumer Law & TradingAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Consumer Protection Act 1987
UKPGA 1987 c 43
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Food & Product ComplianceConsumer Law & TradingProduct Safety, Labelling & RecallsFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & ClaimsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
SI 2008/1277
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Consumer Law & TradingAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsDebt Recovery, Guarantees & Security
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Consumer Rights Act 2015
UKPGA 2015 c 15
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Consumer Law & TradingContracts & CommercialUnfair Contract TermsCopyright, Software & Digital ContentDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
UKPGA 1999 c 31
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Contracts & CommercialContractors & Worker StatusDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesConstruction Contracts & Payment
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
SI 2002/2677
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWorkplace Health & SafetyEnvironmental Consents & WasteAnimals, Food & Agricultural Products
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
UKPGA 1988 c 48
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionContracts & CommercialAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsCopyright, Software & Digital ContentLicences, Permits & RegistrationsTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020
UKPGA 2020 c 12
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Insolvency & RestructuringContracts & CommercialLiquidation & RestructuringImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
UKPGA 2025 c 18
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Privacy & DataDigital & EcommerceTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Data Protection Act 2018
UKPGA 2018 c 12
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Privacy & DataDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024
UKPGA 2024 c 13
PriorityStaged commencement4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Consumer Law & TradingDigital & EcommerceOnline Sales, Subscriptions & PlatformsCompetition, Cartels & Market ConductDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
UKPGA 2023 c 56
PriorityStaged commencement4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceBusiness Identity, Registers & Filings
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002
SI 2002/2013
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Digital & EcommerceContracts & Commercial
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969
UKPGA 1969 c 57
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWorkplace Health & SafetyFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & Claims
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023
UKPGA 2023 c 33
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & Workplace
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Employment Rights Act 1996
UKPGA 1996 c 18
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceContractors & Worker StatusWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesPayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Employment Rights Act 2025
2025 c. 36
PriorityPartly in force5 practical checks · checked 18 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Employment Tribunals Act 1996
UKPGA 1996 c 17
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Enterprise Act 2002
UKPGA 2002 c 40
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Consumer Law & TradingCompanies & StartupsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringBusiness Sales & AcquisitionsCompetition, Cartels & Market ConductDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Environmental Protection Act 1990
UKPGA 1990 c 43
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Environment, Waste & PollutionRegulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusLicences, Permits & RegistrationsEnvironmental Consents & WasteImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsHospitality, Alcohol & GamblingNatural Hazards, Climate & Resilience
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Equality Act 2010
UKPGA 2010 c 15
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceConsumer Law & TradingAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsEquality, Discrimination & Accessibility
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Estate Agents Act 1979
UKPGA 1979 c 38
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Commercial Leases & PropertyRegulatory Compliance
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
UKPGA 2000 c 8
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Finance, Payments & SecurityRegulatory ComplianceAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsFinancial Services, Credit & Payments
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002
SI 2002/2034
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & Workplace
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Food Information Regulations 2014
SI 2014/1855
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Food & Product ComplianceConsumer Law & TradingProduct Safety, Labelling & RecallsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesHospitality, Alcohol & Gambling
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Food Safety Act 1990
UKPGA 1990 c 16
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Food & Product ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceProduct Safety, Labelling & RecallsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsHospitality, Alcohol & GamblingStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013
SI 2013/2996
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Food & Product ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom
General Product Safety Regulations 2005
SI 2005/1803
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Food & Product ComplianceConsumer Law & TradingProduct Safety, Labelling & RecallsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
UKPGA 1974 c 37
PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusWorkplace Health & Safety