UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018: Primary data protection legislation that governs how personal information should be handled, processed, and shared in recommendation letters. Ensures compliance with data privacy requirements and proper handling of personal information.

Equality Act 2010: Ensures the recommendation letter remains non-discriminatory and objective, avoiding any bias based on protected characteristics such as age, gender, race, religion, or disability.

Defamation Act 2013: Requires that all statements made in the recommendation letter are truthful, factual, and can be substantiated to avoid potential libel claims.

Employment Rights Act 1996: Governs the employer's duties and responsibilities when providing references, including maintaining professional standards and fulfilling duty of care obligations.

Common Law Principles: Encompasses the duty of care obligations to both the student and the recipient, requiring accurate and not misleading information in the recommendation letter.