The Resolution Foundation's latest report reveals that 75% of employers utilized flexible contracts in 2023, with 48% planning increased use over five years. It highlights varying worker preferences and concerns over rights in these arrangements.

Recent leaks appear to suggest that the Labour Party's proposed ‘New Deal for Working People' will be somewhat diluted and/or delayed, when compared to the original proposals.

As we move into the second half of the year, and with the Labour Government announcing many financial changes which are likely to significantly impact the workforce, many businesses are feeling the pinch and are exploring.

Retailer Next faces a potential £30 million payout to 3,500 store employees after losing an equal pay claim. The tribunal ruled that Next failed to justify the pay disparity between predominantly female store workers and male warehouse workers, citing indirect sex discrimination.

The Prime Minister's proposed changes aim to reduce economic inactivity due to illness, focusing on fit notes to integrate occupational health support. Employers may face new requirements for reasonable adjustments, impacting return-to-work strategies and potential legal obligations.

The new Procurement Act 2023, effective from 28 October 2024, will overhaul procurement law, simplifying processes, benefiting SMEs, and ensuring value for taxpayers. Key changes include unified rules, new tendering procedures, core procurement principles, and a Central Digital Platform for notices and supplier information.

On June 21, 2024, the Home Office updated its Employer Right to Work Check Guidance, streamlining the process. Key changes include simplified checks for pre-settled status holders, transitioning BRP holders to digital statuses, clarifying digital identity services, and detailing permissions for asylum seekers.

In December 2023, the UK government introduced a five-point plan to reduce net migration. Key changes include raising the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas and Family visas, revising the Shortage Occupations list, and increasing restrictions on Health and Care visas.

The Global Business Mobility (Senior or Specialist Worker) visa enables individuals to work in the UK for a limited time at their overseas employer's UK branch.

Climate change is considered by many the biggest threat we are facing today.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act, enacted on 24 May 2024, aims to improve leaseholder rights, including extending lease terms to 990 years, increasing transparency in service charges, and simplifying building management. However, further secondary legislation is needed for full implementation.

The ICO's 2024-2025 priorities focus on enhancing children's online privacy protections, particularly on social media and video-sharing platforms. Key areas include default private profiles, restricted geolocation tracking, limitations on targeted advertising, and safeguards for children under 13. The ICO will consult stakeholders and employ regulatory enforcement where necessary to drive compliance.

The ECCTA empowers Companies House to share and analyze data with other institutions for crime prevention, enforce identity verification for filings, and restrict unauthorized individuals from submitting documents.

Despite an improving economic outlook, high inflation pressures companies. Competitive and modernized benefits packages, including flexible and green options, attract talent cost-effectively. Clarkslegal advises on tailored implementation and policy drafting.

An Employment Tribunal has awarded a former police officer £1.1 million in compensation for a disability discrimination and constructive dismissal claim...

The Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-engagement, effective 18th July 2024, guides employers on the ethical use of "fire and rehire" practices, emphasizing consultation and alternative solutions before resorting to such measures. Employment tribunals can increase compensation by up to 25% if the code is not reasonably followed. Despite the code, unions argue it lacks enforcement power, and the Labour government plans to introduce a stricter code to prevent abuse of these practices.

Litigation can be a very expensive and time consuming process that can be a real drain on a party’s resources.

Data processing agreements (DPAs) are a common feature of contracts for the supply of services, for example often featuring as self-contained schedules to master services agreements (MSAs).

When a headlease is surrendered, the subtenant becomes the direct tenant of the superior landlord, but must adhere to the sublease terms. Forfeiture or disclaimer of the headlease may end sublease rights, though subtenants can seek relief or apply for property vesting.

The Home Office has recently issued a series of updates related to the immigration processes transition to a fully digital system. These changes span across visa applications...