As a first-time Filipino parent and new to the area, I remember how I found it a bit hard for me to go out with my child as I didn’t know where to go or what to do. Staying at home felt isolating and alienating, especially if your partner has to go to work every day and you are left with just you and the baby. Driven by the loneliness I felt, I mustered the courage to go out even just for a walk to the park nearby. It was refreshing, it was liberating. Once I took the first steps, I started exploring what my community has to offer and I was surprised with what I found!

One thing that I appreciate living in the UK is the variety of free support available for children and families. I’ve met a few Filipinos in my area who have lived in the UK for a long time and just recently had a baby, yet they were clueless about what services are available for them locally. So here are the places in your community that I highly encourage you to explore together with your little ones or with the whole family.

Local library

In the UK, local libraries are more than just buildings full of books; they offer useful community information and free activities for adults and children too. I consider my local library my second home as I go there every week to join Rhyme Time, a free activity where babies get to sing and move to catchy rhyming songs. There’s also Story Time which is popular among toddlers and pre-school age kids. And there’s more – our library has Lego Time and Duplo Time, too! They also lend out sensory toys which you can borrow while you stay in the library. In some areas, the library is where you go to get free compostable food bin bags.

So head to your local library and check out what free or low-cost activities they offer for little ones. I’m sure you’ll be a regular visitor soon! Find out free activities being offered by your local library in this which covers England and Wales.

Children & Family Centre/Hub

Another gem of the community is the family centre or the family hub. They offer services for ages 0 to 19 (or 25 for those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND)) and are run by local councils in partnership with charities. Ranging from baby time, to support for children with special needs, as well as parenting courses and workshops, they have qualified staff to support the different needs of families. I cannot stress enough how thankful I am to be able to avail these services.

If you or anyone in your family are struggling, do not hesitate to contact your local family centre, as they are very approachable and they will direct you to the right services appropriate for you. Here’s where you can or hubs.

Parks and playgrounds

Apart from the library, our second favourite place is our local playground. My daughter enjoys going to the playground where she can interact with other kids and I can meet other parents. We also love our local park where my little one is free to run around and enjoy the outdoors. Local and national parks are generally free to access, but you may have to pay for parking.

Here’s where you can find your . If you enjoy the outdoors, here’s where to . In the summer, look out for free family-friendly events in your local parks. Going to the park or the playground is a great way for kids to get some exercise, explore and socialise in a safe environment outside of school.

Social clubs or community support groups

As parents, it is essential that we also look after our social and mental well-being so we can take care of our families better. There are lots of interesting groups in our local areas that we can join. Anyone up for knitting? Here’s where to find your local – one or two may appeal to you, if you aren’t a member of one yet. Go to the “Adults and Older People” section of your council website and choose “Things to do” to find a variety of clubs and activities that you can try: from chess to knitting, local history to gaming! There’s also and , of course, where you can find groups and events to join.

Local church or place or worship

I cannot recommend enough to check out what the local church near you offers. I was surprised when I found out that a church that was literally a five-minute walk away from our house was offering a stay-and-play group every week, I was so happy. Not only is it conveniently near us, it is also an opportunity for my little one to have a fun time playing and interacting with other children. While these activities are held in churches, they are often open to everyone regardless of their religion.

Local museum and gallery

Most museums and galleries have special activities for children and families, especially during school breaks when most services are at a pause. They may offer special art classes, holiday hunt and trails, engaging activities like interactive plays and lots more.

Yes, there are free places and activities out there that our kids and us adults, too, can enjoy. If you have other suggestions, message me at @thefilipinabookjunkie on Instagram or tell us on the page.

About the author

Maika Carrillo is a self-confessed bibliophile who loves to visit and explore libraries and bookshops. She has lost count of how many books she has and she always runs out of space for new ones. She considers the library her second home. She is a book blogger, a bookstagramer (follow her @thefilipinabookjunkie), and currently the facilitator for The Filipino Mothers UK Book Club. 

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It’s still the Easter break for many of our children and while we look forward to spending quality time with them, the school holidays can also be one of the most stressful times for families. How do we approach childcare when we are juggling work, chores and a host of other things when the kids are at home?   

“Connection before correction.”

“Laughing out loud will always beat shouting out loud.”

These are my cherished mantras, gathered over the years as both a parent and a former teacher. We all know that parenting is hard. It becomes even more challenging with financial concerns, health anxieties, and mental health challenges. 

Playful parenting could be a way for parents and carers to establish a connection and manage stressful situations when interacting with children in more nurturing and playful ways.

What is playful parenting?

In the words of child psychologist Jean Piaget, “Play is the work of childhood,” and playful parenting can be the key to getting your child’s cooperation.

When we speak the language of our children’s hearts and minds (which is PLAY!), we unlock the door to a deeper understanding of their world, fostering joy, connection, and a lifetime of cherished memories.

Sarah Moore, author of Peaceful Discipline, describes as an approach that “gets the “correction” done in a lighthearted yet still entirely effective way.”  She writes that playful parenting “has a compounding effect – it grows over time, decreases conflict, and increases trust.”

So, have you tried doing a toothbrush dance? Or pretend that your nail clipper is a very hungry caterpillar eating 10 big chocolate fingers when cutting your little one’s nails? What about zipping your child’s jacket as if it’s zooming down the train tracks? Or perhaps “shooting” Lego pieces in their designated boxes like a basketball star while cleaning up toys?��

These are all examples of playful parenting strategies.

How to be more playful

Here are my playful parenting ideas to foster cooperation with your child.

Bedtime challenge. If your child doesn’t want to go to bed, use the alarm clock backwards! Set the alarm clock to signal bedtime instead of getting up in the morning. 

Eating challenge.  If your child barely eats or refuses to eat veggies, take the meal out in the garden for a picnic or let them choose a toy or character to have lunch or dinner parties with. Or create playful faces on their plate with carrots, cucumbers, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables.

Bath time/shower challenge. Suggest to clean up their toys in the bath or shower. “Hey, your toy cars need a wash. Should we clean them in the tub?” Or try the “float or sink” experiment. “I wonder which of your toys will sink in the bath?”

Tidy-up challenge. If your child doesn’t want to tidy up their toys, put music on and play a game à la musical chairs. When the music stops, you have to freeze while cleaning up.  

Home time challenge. So, your child doesn’t want to go home from the park. Then it’s time for the “race to the car” contest! “Should we fly like an aeroplane to the car? Let’s see who gets there first! Be ready with your engines, let’s race!” The race to the car rarely fails me.

Embrace the moment

Maybe you have this in mind: I want to be a peaceful and playful parent, but it doesn’t come easily or naturally to me. It’s hard to do this on some days but I find it helpful to . Set aside dedicated time to play and be present to your child. Forget about distractions such as work, chores, mobile phones, and immerse yourself in the magic of the moment with your child. 

And yes, laugh, laugh and laugh some more! Let loose, laugh out loud, and relish the pure joy of being playful with your child. This will create a positive and loving atmosphere against stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

What other playful parenting ideas have you applied in your household? I would love to learn from you! Feel free to chat with me on Facebook or email me at learnerdrivenadventures@gmail.com.

About the author

Sher is a former teacher turned social media and . She is also a home educator and an aspiring entrepreneur. She collaborates with innovative visionaries and child advocates to support her passion and mission to make a positive impact in children’s environments. Visit her and get some useful travel ideas.

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We have heard of dark and sad stories about Filipino women (and less often, men) being victims of toxic relationships. The reality is that women would have to find the nearest and quickest exit from an abusive relationship to save themselves, quite literally.

Domestic abuse is a crime and it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sex, education or ethnicity. There are different types of domestic abuse, apart from physical abuse. The charity Refuge offers a guide on some questions on .  

Here are some steps if you find yourself in a difficult relationship and need to get out. You can also share this with someone who you feel may need some advice about domestic abuse.

Safety first – call the police if necessary

If things have gone out of hand, call the police. This is important to ensure your safety as well as the safety of any children involved. This is also vital to preserve any evidence and document incidents of abuse, which you can refer to when you are applying for your immigration status to be regularised or when applying for legal aid. 

You can call the police discreetly or make a “silent” 999 phone call by pressing 55, if you are afraid that your abuser may overheard you calling the Police.

You can also call the freephone 24/7 at 0808 2000 247. 

Prepare a “grab bag”

Have a “grab bag” or a “go bag” ready in case of emergency.  Make sure to put all your important documents in your bag: passport, official papers, immigration documents and other evidence as well as essential items for you and your children. Having a “grab bag” will be handy in case of emergency, when you need to quickly leave the house for your and your children’s safety. 

Ensure the safety and well-being of your children

I have mentioned this above, but I need to emphasise children’s safety here. Social services may be concerned if the children are not properly protected from an abusive and toxic environment at home. We have heard stories of children being removed from their homes and taken away from their biological parents because of safeguarding risks. Do seek help and ensure that the children’s welfare is also protected. 

Talk to your GP

See your GP so that the physical or emotional/psychological abuse you have experienced are recorded and underpinned by medical evidence. The GP may have to report this is a safeguarding issue if you and/or the children are at risk in a toxic environment.  They can also sign-post you to charities or other organisations who may be able to help you.

Know your legal options

There are family law orders that are meant to protect domestic abuse victims from perpetrators. You can apply for a preventing your partner from continuing the abuse. This order is normally lodged with the local police who can ensure that this is enforced. You may also apply for a which will prevent the perpetrator from returning home or living with you.

Related article: How to spot signs of domestic abuse – and how to get help

Legal aid and other support��

You may be eligible for and welfare or housing support from the local authority.  Do enquire with local legal aid solicitors if you are eligible so you can apply for court orders without paying privately for the family law proceedings mentioned above. The local authority may also assist in promptly providing any welfare or benefit assistance that you are eligible for on the basis that you are a domestic abuse victim. For example, you can apply for for you and your child if you are eligible. 

Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain or Permanent Residence 

If you are on a Spouse Visa and a domestic abuse victim, you may be able to apply for an or permanent residence if you can prove that you have been a victim of domestic abuse. This means disclosing police records, GP/medical records, and other supporting documents.

Find local support groups 

Find local women’s support groups in your area who can help with emergency accommodation, legal advice, counselling and other forms of support. For women, call or and for men, call . Research has shown that there is a risk of for various reasons – cultural and religious pressure, financial needs, etc. Finding support groups who can help with safe accommodation and advice will no doubt survivors make the best decisions for themselves and their children if they have any.

It is vital as a community that we don’t pass judgment on those trapped in abusive or unhealthy relationships. Instead, we should endeavour to provide as much information and support to those who may need help so they can make an informed decision for their well-being and for the welfare of their children. 

About the author

Danna Quinto, a proud Ilongga from Southern Mindanao, is an experienced solicitor specialising in civil litigation and family law. She was Managing Partner of Deo Volente Solicitors before establishing . She is a keen hillwalker, a novice rock-climber, and an endurance event enthusiast – perhaps to balance her quintessentially Filipino love for cooking and eating!

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Do you feel that something doesn’t feel right in your relationship? Do you feel your behaviour has changed because of the way your partner treats you or your children? It is not easy to know whether your experiences or those of someone you love, qualify as abuse. Here are some questions to help you think about your relationship, as published on the , a UK charity supporting victims of domestic abuse.  

For women – and men – who have experienced domestic abuse, you can get on a course called the to help you make sense of and understand what you have been through. The programme also describes in detail how children are affected by being exposed to this kind of abuse and very importantly how their lives are improved when the abuse is removed.

Related article: The UK Law and You: How to deal with domestic abuse

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The Home Office announced far-reaching changes to immigration law which are scheduled to take effect in April 2024. The most controversial of the proposed changes will affect those seeking to bring their family to the UK. 

What is the current law?

The current law requires family visa applicants to satisfy various conditions, primarily that they can support themselves in the UK without recourse to public funds. To prove this, they must show an income of no less than £18,600 per annum (before tax) unless they have considerable savings. For example, an applicant who has no income will need to show savings of £62,500. The existing salary requirement was introduced over a decade ago and the government believes that it should be increased to reflect the higher cost of living and the continued need to ensure that sponsored dependents can be provided for in the UK without access to public funds.

What will change?

It was originally that the minimum income requirement (MIR) to bring family members to the UK would increase to £38,700. However, the government lowered the amount after receiving criticism that the new policy would break apart families and that the increase was too high. 

In its follow-up announcement, the government has now decided to raise the minimum income for family visas incrementally. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that with the full increase in early 2025.  From Spring 2024, the threshold would rise to £29,000, then moving to £34,500, and finally £38,700. The exact timing for the latter two rises has not been announced.

Will the new rules apply to current applicants?

The government announced that the new income rule will not apply to visa applications made before the rule change. They will be considered against the current MIR of £18,600. This is a departure from the usual procedure which requires the Home Office to apply the applicable law at the date of the decision (rather than at the date of the application).

What about the income requirement for children?

On the issue of assessing income and children, the government stated:

“There will no longer be a separate child element to the MIR, to ensure British nationals are not treated less favourably than migrants who are required to meet the general skilled worker threshold as a flat rate, regardless of any child being sponsored.”

Presently, a family of three (spouse and two children) joining their sponsor parent in the UK must show an income of £18,600 plus £3,600 plus £2,400. The latter two sums are additional funds required for the two children. The separate income requirement for children will be removed from Spring 2024.

Will the new rule apply to those who hold a spouse/partner visa?

No, only first-time applicants for spouse/partner visas should meet the new income requirement. The government says that

[The] change . Those who already have a family visa within the five-year partner route, or who apply before the minimum income threshold is raised, will continue to have their applications assessed against the current income requirement and will not be required to meet the increased threshold. This will also be the case for children seeking to join or accompany parents.

The new rule will not apply to those who already have a family visa within the 5-year partner route or who apply before the minimum income requirement takes effect. The same rule applies to children seeking to join their parents. This means that they will continue to assess those applicants under the old MIR of £18,600 plus any additional sums for any non-British children.

What about those on fiancé/ée visa?

On the issue of assessing income and fiancé/ée, the government stated:

Anyone granted a �ھ����Գ�é/�ھ����Գ�é�� visa before the minimum income threshold is raised will also be assessed against the current income requirement when they apply for a family visa within the five-year partner route.

Those who have been granted a fianc(é)e visa before the minimum income threshold is raised will be assessed against the old rule when they apply for a family visa within the 5-year partner route. Hence, �ھ����Գ�é/�ھ����Գ�é�� assessed at £18,600 will be required to comply with the lower MIR of £18,600 even after the new MIR of £29,000 takes effect.

What happens to those who would like to swap their visas?

On the issue of those already in the UK on visas other than spouse or fianc(é)e, the government stated:

Those already in the UK on a different route, who apply to switch into the five-year partner route after the minimum income requirement has been increased, will be subject to the new income requirement.

For example, someone with a visa under the Skilled Worker route swapping to a spouse after the new rules come into effect will need to satisfy the new £29,000 income threshold.

The minimum income requirement of £29,000 from April 2024 will still be problematic for many. My advice? Submit your application now!

About the author

Lira Simon Cabatbat is the first Filipino solicitor in the UK and founded more than 25 years ago. She specialises in immigration, family law and human rights. Lira has a wealth of experience in family and matrimonial cases particularly those with international elements.

Other articles can be found at the . Contact us by telephone at 0203 375 0555 or email cabatbat@douglass-simon.com.

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Paul Anne Quibael-Forman

The World Health Organization declares that mental health is of all individuals, including children. Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and is essential for children to navigate the challenges of life, build healthy relationships, and achieve their full potential. Exploring and understanding one’s mental health is a continuous process that involves self-awareness, reflection, and active engagement.��

Children’s well-being is equally dependent on their mental health as it is on their physical health. It influences various facets of their life, such as academic achievements, interpersonal connections, and physical health. It is also true that mental health is subject to change and growth depending on one’s experiences at different stages of life.

Growing up in the Philippines, I learned about the responsibilities of caring for a child and managing a family through informal and formal means. The emphasis was on ensuring their nourishment, proper sleep, cleanliness, and creating a surrounding that contributes to their happiness. As the grown-up looking after my younger sibling and cousins, I felt that I should be in charge and that they ought to listen to me. However, I later learned that caring for children also involves not only instructing them but also actively listening to their needs.

A parent’s role

Every individual is unique, we are often told. As a parent, my training has provided me insights into child development, yet I acknowledge that I do not have a complete understanding of my own child.

Yes, I am the mother of my child, yet she is a small human with her own identity and her own human experience. As parents, we have three responsibilities: to ensure the well-being of our children, promote their health, and take measures to guarantee their safety. As they mature, they begin to discern their needs and desires. It’s crucial for them to develop confidence in navigating various life challenges. Our role is to offer guidance to the best of our abilities.

Understanding children’s needs

Experiencing a range of emotions, such as happiness, excitement, nervousness, fear, frustration, disappointment, injury, and anger, is a normal part of being human. By acknowledging and understanding these emotions, both children and adults learn how to navigate through them.

Children feel at ease and self-assured when they are given a safe environment to freely express their voices and emotions. Although it might be challenging for parents to witness their children facing difficulties,  children need to believe in their ability to handle such situations and cultivate confidence in handling them.

These are the needs expressed by the children in my practice when it comes to their parents:

1. It is important for me to feel comfortable discussing all my emotions with you. Please listen without interrupting me.
2. Kindly pay close attention to me and recognise my emotions – even if they might seem simple and small to you, what I am experiencing is significant for me.
3. There are times when I just need you to listen and try to understand what I’m expressing based on my experience – I may not necessarily need solutions or lectures.
4. Don’t feel the need to resolve things for me – most times, I just want the reassurance that you’re there for me and understand what I am going through.
5. There are times when I prefer not to engage in conversation. Please have faith that I will reach out to you, another adult, or someone my age when I’m prepared. Speaking to someone closer to my age, like siblings, cousins, friends, or younger teachers at school, can sometimes be easier because they can relate better.
6. Sometimes, a simple hug is all I need to make me feel comforted and supported.
7. When I am angry, it doesn’t necessarily mean my anger is directed at you. My expressions might come across as hurtful, but it’s not my intention to harm you. I may simply be struggling with handling these emotions.

Communicating with children

As our children mature, the dynamics of our relationship with them evolve. It progresses from the stage of constant dependency, where they always want us by their side, to a phase where they express when they require our presence. For us parents, it involves a shift from seeking their constant reliance, expressed as “I want you to need me,” to adopting a more independent stance, saying “I’ll let you to manage this, but tell me when you need help.”

To connect with your child, you must be attentive to their needs. Here are some steps to do this:

1. Stop what you are doing and give your full attention to your child.
2. Start a conversation: “Tell me about your day” “What was the best thing about today?” “What can I do to help you?”
3. Concentrate on the details of what they are communicating and the emotions associated with it.
4. Repeat that back to them in your own words.
5. Summarise the discussion to let your child know that you have understood them. You can say “It appears that you are…” or “It seems like you feel…” Avoid instructing them to feel better or providing solutions; instead, affirm that it’s acceptable for them to experience their emotions.

Another way of enhancing communication with your child is to arrange a regular date or movie night of their preference. Establish consistency and turn it into a routine.

Expressing our needs as parents

The voice of our child is important, and so is ours. As we listen to and assist our child in navigating their experiences, it is equally essential to create a space where our own needs as parents are acknowledged and addressed. It is not the responsibility of our child to solve our problems, but when they witness us actively working to resolve our issues, it imparts the understanding that it is acceptable to encounter challenges and that there are constructive ways to address them.

Being a parent is hard. Dealing with our children can be energy-consuming, and it’s acceptable not to have all the answers. Remember, you are only human, and it’s perfectly fine to take breaks. Seek support from your community, friends, and family to find moments of respite. As  an African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I hope you find your village.

About the author��

Paul Anne Quibael-Forman is a BACP-registered therapist with over a decade of expertise. Specialising in mental health support across diverse age groups and communities. I provide a safe space for my clients who experience stress, anxiety, trauma, domestic abuse, self-esteem, motivation, depression, and coping with life changes.��

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It is a well-known, and frankly sad statistical finding, that January is the . In the legal world, it is known as “divorce month.” While couples may already be in fractured relationships for months or even years, they often wait to spend “one last Christmas for the children” before they make the decision to separate. The stress of preparing for Christmas and being cooped up with family over the holidays becomes the tipping point for many couples. In the UK, women initiate while in the US, it is per cent. ����

The end of a relationship does not always have to be acrimonious.  In fact, it is hoped that contact between parents and children can be agreed upon within the family except in circumstances where the other parent poses a safeguarding risk to the child.

If you are in a situation where you feel that your children will be genuinely safe in the hands of the other parent, and you wish to have some sort of guidance as to how to start a dialogue and a pragmatic road map to this situation, then here is my advice.

The guiding principle: The best interest of the children

This may sound too obvious and almost insulting to parents but for the sake of clarity and avoidance of doubt, let me set out the basic and straightforward law governing contact of parents and children. The test for any decision should always be: What is in the best interest of the children? Is it in their best interest to have the love and support of both the maternal and paternal sides of the family? Is it in their best interest to know about their heritage, visit relatives abroad, and develop and learn about their identity through these overseas holidays to their parent’s country of birth? Is it in their best interest to spend time with their father or their mother? Is it in their best interest to be separated from their siblings? Is it in the best interest of the child not to have any relationship at all with one of his or her parents? When you make co-parenting decisions based on the best interest of your children, your discussions may be less combative and more child-focused. 

You will still be in the same ecosystem – you will forever share a profound love for another person: your child. Hence, the sooner that you find a way, if at all possible, to have a civil and diplomatic communication channel with your co-parent, the better for your child.

Plan what will work for your family

Think about how you divided childcare whilst you were together with your soon-to-be former spouse. It is most likely that the “new regime” would be similar to that unless there is a dramatic change in routine, work schedule, or general circumstances. The important thing is to look at the children’s scheduling needs (education, day-to-day, and extracurricular activities) and find out how you and the other co-parent can best meet those needs. 

It would be helpful for both parties to review these at the start of the calendar year and the start of the academic year.  Try to complete the “Parenting Plan” set out by CAFCASS (an independent government body that assists the court in children’s contact cases).  You need to look at special dates – birthdays, religious holidays, school holidays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and find a way to divide the time fairly.

As an example, have a rotation of Christmas and New Year, divide the school holidays equally, and find a way for both you and the other parent to spend time with your children during their birthdays. Overseas holidays must be planned in advance – a parent cannot take a child out of the UK jurisdiction for more than 28 days without the consent of the other parent. But as a rule of thumb, it is most prudent for co-parents to inform each other, in advance, of any proposed overseas holidays. It is normally the parent whom the children live with who safe keeps the children’s passports.

Learn how to communicate constructively

Separation or divorce is undoubtedly a difficult and painful process. There will be friction and high emotions, especially during the early stages. However, at the end of the day, the other co-parent will be part of your life even after the end of the marriage – you will see him or her at your child’s graduation, your child’s wedding, your future grandchildren’s birth, and other family-related events. You will still be in the same ecosystem – you will forever share a profound love for another person: your child. Hence, the sooner that you find a way, if at all possible, to have a civil and diplomatic communication with your co-parent, the better for your child. Technology can help these days – there are apps to help co-parents manage conversations as well as schedules (for example,  Family Wizard, AppClose). Find out what works for you both so you can remain a good team, at least in terms of raising little human beings. 

As a final note, my advice does not apply to cases where there are safeguarding risks that need to be addressed before contact between parents and children can be determined. If you have a particular concern, please seek independent legal advice.

About the author

Danna Quinto, a proud Ilongga from Southern Mindanao, is an experienced solicitor specialising in civil litigation and family law. She was Managing Partner of Deo Volente Solicitors before establishing . She is a keen hillwalker, a novice rock-climber, and an endurance event enthusiast – perhaps to balance her quintessentially Filipino love for cooking and eating!

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The UK government has announced a five-point plan to reduce legal migration. Home Secretary James Cleverly said that the changes will take effect next spring

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that net migration – the difference between the number of coming to the UK and those leaving – was at a record high of 2022.

Filipinos, many of them working in the NHS and private healthcare facilities, posted their concerns about the new visa policies on several Facebook groups.

Based on the , there are 34,652 Filipino staff working in the NHS in England. There are no available data from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Data in the adult social care sector in England show that filled vacancies are of Filipino ethnicity. Extrapolating its 2021-2022 data, there may be some 90,000 care workers from the Philippines in England alone.

Here is a quick guide about the changes in UK immigration policies and how they may affect Filipino workers.

When will the new immigration rules take effect?

The Home Secretary said that they will be implemented in spring 2024.

Who are required to meet the minimum salary of £38,700?

Skilled workers who are not covered by the exemptions must meet the minimum pay of £38,700 to come to the UK. Filipinos working as chefs or butchers and other middle-skilled jobs where the salary is likely to be less than £30,000 may be affected by this new policy.

British citizens and settled persons who want to bring their family to Britain must also meet the new salary requirement.

Who are exempt from the new salary threshold?

Exempt from the new minimum salary of £38,700 are the following:

• Those who work in the health and care sector such as the NHS and private healthcare providers.
• Employees in national pay scales such as teachers.

What rules do NOT apply to those working in the NHS?

The following rules will NOT apply to overseas staff working in the NHS:

• The new minimum annual salary threshold of £38,700.
• The ban on bringing dependents to the UK.
• The increase in the healthcare surcharge. Those employed under the health and care visa and their dependents are .

What about care workers? What changes will affect them?

• Care workers are exempt from the new minimum salary requirement of £38,700. They continue to be exempt from paying the health surcharge.
• However, care workers will no longer be able to bring their family to the UK.

What is the new immigration health surcharge fee?

The immigration health surcharge, the annual fee that visa holders must pay to use the NHS, will rise from £624 to £1,035.

Among those exempted from paying this fee are the following: health and care workers and their dependents, those applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain, asylum seekers, domestic workers who have been identified as victims of slavery or human trafficking, those granted domestic violence concession by the Home Office.

See the full list of .

Are there new rules for overseas graduate students?

The government is reviewing the graduate visa scheme which allows overseas students to stay in the UK for at least two years after completing their degree.

However, from January 2024, international students will not be able to bring their dependents to the UK unless they are enrolled in postgraduate research courses.

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As a family, we undergo a few changes or life events that are quite hard to explain to our children. Books are perfect tools to help them understand and explore their feelings about the certain situation that the family is going through. Here are some book recommendations for situations that every parent may have a hard time explaining.

Grief and loss

Books can aid children comprehend sadness, ranging from the loss of a beloved toy to the passing of a dear pet or beloved family member. The Thomas Family embarks on a journey as they bid farewell to their pet cat Mog, and get a new kitten. Goodbye Mog is an ideal story for gently introducing to young children the topics of sorrow, grief, loss and bereavement.

Below are more book suggestions to help children cope or prepare them for challenging situations ahead:

Mum’s Jumper by Jayde Perkin

Grandpa Was an Astronaut by Jonathan Meres, Hannah Coulson

The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole by Michelle Cuevas

You Will Be Okay by Julie Stokes, Laurène Boglio

The Girl Who Became a Tree by Joseph Coelho, Kate Milner

New siblings

Using books is an excellent method to prepare a younger child for the arrival of a new sibling, helping them to connect with the newcomer. This book is the perfect read for curious young minds, engaging them in the excitement and anticipation of a new sibling with a simple rhyming tale told with warmth and humour.

Other reading suggestions are as follows:

I’m Big Now by Anthea Simmons, Georgie Birkett

15 Things Not to Do With a Baby by Margaret McAllister, Holly Sterling

Lulu and the Noisy Baby by Camilla Reid, Ailie Busby

You and Me by Rachel Fuller

The New Small Person by Lauren Child

Parents separating/Family break- up

Navigating family break-ups is a sensitive and sad period for everyone, especially for the children involved. The topic of divorce in this book is explained in a clear and uncomplicated manner, complemented by vibrant illustrations. Throughout the book, questions are strategically placed, encouraging meaningful discussions between parents and carers.

Below are more children’s books curated to facilitate challenging conversations about parents separating or family break-up:

Where Did You Go Today by Jenny Duke

I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak

Red Leaves by Sita Brahmachari

My Daddy’s Going Away by Christopher MacGregor, Emma Yarlett

The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson, Nick Sharratt

Adoption/being adopted

I Wished For You: An Adoption Story by Marianne Richmond

With delightful writing and captivating watercolour illustrations, I Wished for You provides a comforting read, affirming that love is the essence of what defines a family. The story unfolds a dialogue between a small bear named Barley and his Mama, as Barley poses the kind of questions many adopted children often have, and Mama responds to each one with affection.

Check more of these book suggestions on lovely :

Adoption (Questions & Feelings About) by Anita Ganeri, Ximena Jeria

The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler,

We Belong Together by

I Don’t Have Your Eyes by

Patina by Jason Reynolds and

Diversity and inclusivity

You Can! By Alexandra Strick and Steve Antony

Drawing inspiration from the authentic voices and messages of real children, including those with disabilities, You Can! stands out as an exceptionally inclusive picture book, delivering a powerful reminder and message to all children that they are valuable individuals with promising futures. This non-fiction book has its purpose to empower children by assuring them that, regardless of the path they follow, there are opportunities for support, love, happiness, and fulfilment.

The list of books below may be useful in portraying for young readers:

What Happened to You? By James Catchpole, Karen George

Benjamin and the Super Spectacles by Rachel Bright

Max the Champion by Sean Stockdale and Alexandra Strick, Ros Asquith

The Okay Book by Todd Parr

Brian Has Dyslexia by Woody Fox, Jenny Leigh

Moving house/relocation

Goodbye House, Hello House by Ann James and Margaret

Relocating to a new home can be an incredibly thrilling experience, but during uncertain times, additional concerns may arise. Older kids may feel hesitant about leaving their friends behind, especially if the move is to a more distant location. Younger children, on the other hand, may simply find the entire process perplexing. Goodbye House, Hello House is a touching tale of embracing change and embarking on a fresh start, moving from the country to the city, with a distinctive illustration style that provides ample room for the reader’s imagination to wander. 

Here are more books to help and encourage young readers to express and explore their feelings about :

The Comet by Joe Todd-Stanton

Here I Am by Patti Kim, Sonia Sánchez

A Place to Call Home by Alexis Deacon, Silvia Viviane Schwarz, Viviane Schwarz

We’re Moving: A Reassuring Book About New Beginnings by Adam and Charlotte Guillain

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina, Sonia Sánchez

Family illness

The Hospital Hoppities by Charlotte Hartley-Jones and Anjalee Burrows

Stories can be valuable tools for explaining long-term illness to children, providing comfort, understanding, and a sense of normalcy. The Hospital Hoppities not only amplifies the voices of children enduring long-term hospital stays but also stimulates their imagination and sheds light on the incredible acts of kindness performed daily by hospital staff, volunteers, and supporters. The illustrations intricately capture various medical details, aiming to familiarise readers with the hospital environment. The author and illustrator have crafted a lovable rabbit character, fostering a more positive outlook for children facing hospital stays.

Here are more book suggestions to help address and discuss with children and their families:

Skellig by

Gentle Willow by Joyce C Mills, Cary Pillo

Big Tree Is Sick by Nathalie Slosse, Rocio Del Moral

Scrambled Heads byEmily Palmer

Tiger Livy byErin Garcia, Betsy Miller, Ivreese Tong

Remember that every child is different, and their reactions and understanding will vary. The goal is to create an open and supportive environment where children feel comfortable discussing and processing the challenges associated with the various events happening in their lives.

About the author

Maika Carrillo is a self-confessed bibliophile who loves to visit and explore libraries and bookshops. She has lost count of how many books she has and she always runs out of space for new ones. She considers the library her second home. She is a book blogger, a bookstagramer (follow her @thefilipinabookjunkie), and currently the facilitator for The Filipino Mothers UK Book Club. 

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With any sort of journey (car, train, plane, life in general), there is always a start, a middle point, and then an end when you arrive at a destination. Alternatively, you may decide to change your mode of transport to get you to another leg of your travel.

Employment or work, in my opinion, is very analogous to travelling.  

You “sail” with a company on a voyage towards a destination or a milestone in your career. However, before sailing, you first look around for a ship to embark on and consider whether it is going to take you to the route that you wish to take. To continue the analogy, you only hop on once you agree on the terms of the “ticket.” At times you may get seasick but you may also get upgraded to the upper deck. At some point, you realise that the ship is navigating towards somewhere you do not wish to go, hence you voluntarily disembark (resign).  Unfortunately, you may also find yourself forcibly offloaded (fired from the job) from this metaphorical “ship.” On a happier note, you may find yourself completing the journey and disembark because you reached your terminus (or retire from your job). 

Most of us are currently on our journeys with our own chosen ships. Here are some practical advice for your voyage in your work journey.

Check your contract

Whilst an employment agreement does need not to be in writing to be valid, it is certainly advisable if the expectations and obligations for all parties involved are clearly stipulated and documented in writing. In particular, read carefully the sections of the employment contract setting out the scope of your duties and responsibilities, the flexibility allowed where you work (remote, onsite, or hybrid), salary and benefits, any restrictions, restraint of trade clause.  For example, to what extent will you be able to work for a competitor after leaving your employer? What is the notice period for both parties for terminating the contract? It is also helpful to check other company policies which you will find in the staff handbook.

Dealing with work issues

Not all employment is smooth sailing. If you encounter any difficulties at work, keep a copy and read the policies of your company. Understand the process for filing a grievance and to whom and in what manner will you be able to complain about work conditions.  Make sure to keep a log or a paper trail of all that you have done.

It may also be the case that you are the one being investigated. The company would need to conduct a thorough and proper investigation, again, further to the policies they set out and based on what is expected of them by law. Being suspended whilst being investigated does not mean you have been found guilty. Seek legal advice promptly to know your rights if you are being unlawfully dismissed.

Resigning from work

After some months or years, you may decide to leave out of your own accord. Alternatively, your role may be terminated by your employer.

If you are resigning, it is prudent to first check your notice period and any handover requirements. Take note that for your next job, you may need to ask for a professional reference from your line manager so it would be best to fulfil any handover requirements. ��Before you accept another offer of employment elsewhere, it is also best to review whether you can work for a competitor certain period of time after your employment with the current company. These types of restrictions can be challenged if they are unreasonable. Seek legal advice if you are unsure.

Being with a company for a long period (“long service”) does not entitle you to severance pay if you are resigning or retiring – this is a common misconception about employment law in the UK.

Redundancy and your right to severance pay

If you are at risk of being made redundant (or “laid off” as we call it in the Philippines), your employer would have to follow proper procedures and a consultation process before making their redundancy decision. If you are being made redundant, you will be entitled to redundancy payment. There is a calculator provided by gov.uk so you can check if the amount proposed to you is correct.

If your company has gone bust or has become insolvent (bankrupt in common terms), you may still claim for unpaid wages, holiday pay, redundancy pay, loss of notice via the Redundancy Payment Services, so long as you are a UK or EEA national and you were an employee of the company. 

Getting fired from your  job

If you have been terminated by your employer, check your internal appeal process and whether you have a claim for unfair dismissal. It would be difficult to claim unfair dismissal if you have been with the company for less than two years unless the reason for your dismissal is covered by the exemptions. Cases based on discrimination, dismissal due to your fears about health and safety at work, or whistle-blowing do not require you to prove two years of continuous service to claim unfair dismissal.

You will most likely be required to go through an early conciliation process before proceeding to the court. You must tell Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) that you intend to make a claim to the tribunal. You will be offered the opportunity to try and settle the dispute without going to the tribunal by using Acas’s free . 

If you and your employer are unable to settle the dispute, you can escalate your claim for unfair dismissal to the Employment Tribuna. However, your must do this within three months minus one day from the date the issue at work happened.

As I wrote in my first piece, if you have a specific issue, it is best to get legal advice. Each case will turn on its facts.

About the author

Danna Quinto, a proud Ilongga from Southern Mindanao, is a practising lawyer in the UK and the current . Danna has been a fully qualified solicitor for over 9 years and currently specialises in civil litigation and family law. She is a keen hillwalker, a novice rock-climber, and an endurance event enthusiast – perhaps to balance her quintessentially Filipino love for cooking and eating!

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