ArticleRules Of OriginLeaving the EU is unquestionably changing the way that the UK trades with the EU. With over 70% of our food and non-alcoholic drink exports going to the EU the UK has, to a degree, been ‘spoilt'...European UnionInternational LawBirketts
ArticleThe Cost Of COVID-19: Who Is Bearing The Burden?We are now just over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic and although the construction industry has soldiered on through as best it can, inevitable delays, site closures and dips in productivity...United KingdomCoronavirus (COVID-19)Birketts
ArticleCase Law Update: Navigating Disciplinary And Grievance ProceduresIt is crucial that employers in the motor industry are adept at managing employee relations issues, primarily grievances and disciplinary matters, promptly and fully.United KingdomEmployment and HRBirketts
ArticleHMRC's Consultation On Employee Ownership Trusts And Employee Benefit TrustsHM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is consulting on proposals for targeted reform of the EOT and EBT tax regimes (the Consultation). The Consultation closes on 25 September 2023.United KingdomEmployment and HRBirketts
ArticleThe Case Of A Copied Gin Bottle: M&S vs AldiThe legal wrangles in which Aldi finds itself has captured the attention of mainstream media of late. The discount retailer has become synonymous with allegations of copying...United KingdomIntellectual PropertyBirketts
ArticleCan Payment Under A Construction Contract Be Linked To A VAT Invoice?In the recent decision in Lidl Great Britain Limited v Closed Circuit Cooling Limited t/a 3CL [2023] EWHC 2243 (TCC) the TCC has given useful guidance on whether the Final Date for Payment...United KingdomReal Estate and ConstructionBirketts
ArticleOffice For Product Safety Standards Publishes Updated Enforcement PolicyOn 29 June 2023, the Office for Product Safety Standards (OPSS) published an updated version of its enforcement policy in relation to the safety of consumer products, together with updated guidance...United KingdomReal Estate and ConstructionBirketts
ArticleThe Agency Model: An Update – And Some Potential Challenges AheadIn previous editions of "Motor Matters" we have addressed the Agency Model in Motor Retailing, so in this edition we provide an update on its adoption/take-up in the UK...United KingdomCorporate/Commercial LawBirketts
ArticleThe One Where Rachel And Ross Got MarriedThe term annulment is more commonly associated with Hollywood stars or of course famous fictional couples such a Ross and Rachel (if you know you know).United KingdomFamily and MatrimonialBirketts
ArticleDEFRA Releases New BNG Guidance: Considerations For DevelopersOn 21 February, DEFRA published three key pieces of guidance relating to the introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain ("BNG"). Of these, two relate primarily to land managers...United KingdomReal Estate and ConstructionBirketts
ArticleContemplating Divorce And You're An Accidental American?There is nothing more frustrating than having all your ducks nicely lined up in a row, and then have an earthquake come an knock them all down. Well, for many, this is the impact...GlobalFamily and MatrimonialBirketts
ArticleSocial Media And Personal Opinions: A Balancing Act For CharitiesSocial media is a powerful tool for charities, and can be used to great effect in raising awareness of their impact, activities and fundraising initiatives.United KingdomCorporate/Commercial LawBirketts
ArticleNational Minimum Wage: Term Time WorkersThe recent Supreme Court decision in the case of Harpur Trust v Brazel [2022] UKSC 21 concerned the calculation of statutory holiday and pay, United KingdomEmployment and HRBirketts
ArticleSchool Collaboration – Are Mega MATs The Future?It was reported recently that the charity Catch22 has decided to transfer all seven of its schools to other organisations and wind up its multi-academy trust (MAT). Catch22 was approved...United KingdomConsumer ProtectionBirketts
ArticleChildren's Mental Health Week (6 To 12 February 2023)These statistics are frightening; particularly post-pandemic when it is so difficult, given the explosion in demand, to access specialist mental health support for children and young people.United KingdomFood, Drugs, Healthcare, Life SciencesBirketts
ArticleHow Can I Prove That I Own A Share In A Property?There are two ways of owning a property: legally and beneficially. The legal owners are the people named on the title deeds. The beneficial owners are the people entitled to a share in the sale...United KingdomReal Estate and ConstructionBirketts
ArticleSupreme Court Decision In Aviva Investors Ground Rent GP Ltd v WilliamsThe implementation of service charges under residential leases is a controversial topic. The primary reason for such is twofold: costly and protracted litigation can be generated, and landlords...United KingdomReal Estate and ConstructionBirketts
ArticleTrust And Productivity: The New Private Sector PlaybookYou may be aware of the Public Sector Construction Playbook, which was first published by the Cabinet Office in late 2020 (and updated in September 2022).United KingdomReal Estate and ConstructionBirketts
ArticleRecord Inheritance Tax Receipts In 2023 – But Will IHT Survive The Next Election?The British press has recently reported rumours that, in a bid to win over voters at the next General Election, the Conservative Party may look to make a new addition to their manifesto pledge...United KingdomTaxBirketts
ArticlePublic Rights Of Way: The Presumptions Guidance! At Last!It is guidance published by Defra advising local authorities on the weight they should attach to the impact of public footpaths, bridleways or restricted byways...United KingdomReal Estate and ConstructionBirketts