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Banning age discrimination in the provision of services

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00 GMT

The Equality Bill currently going through Parliament will outlaw age discrimination in the provision of services for the first time.

Equal pay for everyone - including men!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00 GMT

There has been much media interest in the extensive equal pay litigation brought by women against local authorities over the past few years.

TUPE and service provision changes: Welcome guidance from EAT

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00 GMT

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has given some welcome guidance on the correct approach for deciding whether or not a service provision change is covered by TUPE 2006.

Retention of Title: A recession essential

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

As more companies feel the effects of the recession, suppliers must ensure they are properly protected should customers struggle to pay their bills, fall into financial decline or, worse, insolvency.

Equality Duty: Proposals for public sector implementation

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

The Equality Bill makes provision for a new, single equality duty to be imposed on public bodies and those exercising public functions. It is expected that the new Equality Duty will apply from April 2011.

Customs change procedure for dealing with infringing Intellectual Property goods

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

Customs has changed, with immediate effect, the way in which they deal with goods suspected of infringing brand owners' intellectual property rights.

ICO's new weapon in consumer data battle

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched the new Privacy Notices Code of Practice.

Termination of contracts: Introduction

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

In the current economic climate, most companies are scrutinising their existing relationships to ensure they are truly adding value. Many long term contracts may not be as profitable as they once were or there may be better deals on offer elsewhere.

Beware the non-waiver clause

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

A recent Court of Appeal case has cast doubt on the value of such 'non-waiver' clauses.

A landlord's remedies during insolvency

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

A landlord may find its remedies are restricted when a corporate tenant becomes insolvent. However, it may still have other options.

Statutory redundancy payment rise in October - then limits frozen to 2011

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

There is good news and bad news about the statutory redundancy payment.

House of Lords' eagerly awaited sick leave and holiday pay decision

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

The House of Lords has handed down its decision in Stringer v HMRC.

Consultants can owe same confidentiality duties as employees

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

In a recent decision - Vestergaard Frandsen A/S v Bestnet Europe - the High Court considered the confidentiality obligations owed by a consultant to a company that had formerly engaged his services.

Director's duty to tell employer he would become rival

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

Directors owe a range of fiduciary duties to their employer.

Death of the 'sick note' as new 'fit note' unveiled

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00 GMT

The Government has launched a consultation on a new "fit" note which it hopes will help to eradicate "sick note culture" in the UK.

L'Oreal 'loses' to eBay in the UK

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00 GMT

The High Court has ruled that eBay cannot be held legally accountable for the sale of counterfeit goods on its website.

Judgment helps define employers' risk boundaries

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00 GMT

How far do you have to go in carrying out risk assessments when the risks to your employees arise from activities conducted off your premises?

Recession fuels claims against advisors

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00 GMT

The recession has seen a significant rise in claims against professional advisors, as businesses look to recoup losses they may have suffered.

Businesses' collective sigh of relief at Law Lords' ramp ruling

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00 GMT

A lot hinged on the answer to the following question for thousands of businesses and organisations across the UK.

�5,000 fines threat - batteries included

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00 GMT

Businesses placing batteries on the UK market for the first time will have to meet their collection and recycling responsibilities under the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 or face fines of up to �5,000.

COMAH Regulations applied to natural strata gas storage

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00 GMT

Onshore storage of natural gas in underground natural strata such as depleted reservoirs is now subject to COMAH Regulations.

Law Lords' ramp ruling ends threat of legal action

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00 GMT

Companies and organisations cannot be sued by staff injured when using equipment not provided or maintained by their employer.

Agency workers: Government consults on new rights

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00 GMT

The Government is consulting on how it will introduce rights for agency workers in the UK following the new Agency Workers Directive agreed by Europe, last year.

Trade union members to get more legal protection

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00 GMT

From later this year it will become unlawful to refuse to employ somebody because they are a member of a trade union.

Is the UK's working time opt-out safe?

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00 GMT

It seems like the UK's "opt-out" from the 48 hour working week has been under threat from Europe for a very long time but we are now able to bring you the end of the story (for now!).

National Minimum Wage: The only way is up

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00 GMT

Despite speculation that the Government would leave the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate alone for next year, a Low Pay Commission (LPC) recommendation for a small increase in hourly rates has been accepted.

TUPE: Lawyers transferred after client changed firms

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00 GMT

In one of the first known cases to consider the effect of the new service change provisions in TUPE on professional services, an employment tribunal has found that TUPE did apply when a client moved its legal services contract to a new law firm.

'Tips loophole' to be closed from 1 October

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00 GMT

The Government is to close the so-called 'tips loophole'. It has announced it will do it through legislation coming into force on 1 October 2009.

Disciplinary hearings: Legal representation for employees?

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00 GMT

The High Court has decided that in certain circumstances, an employee has the right to be represented by a lawyer at internal disciplinary hearings.

Buncefield judgment has joint venture implications

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00 GMT

The High Court gave judgment on civil liability in the Buncefield case at the end of March.

Controversial and significant Equality Bill published

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

The long-awaited and controversial Equality Bill (the Bill) was laid before Parliament last week, and published on Monday 24 April.

Government takes 'big stick' to 20,000 organisations

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

The following is a briefing note for finance directors and company secretaries on the Government's forthcoming Carbon Reduction Commitment.

Luxury brands handed licence to sue

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that luxury brand owners can use their trade mark rights to prevent licensees selling goods to discount stores in breach of licence.

Credit insurance update: Budget special

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

As availability of credit insurance continues to dwindle, coupled with the complete withdrawal of trade credit insurance in some instances, businesses are being damaged and their supply chains disrupted.

Employee death prompts first corporate manslaughter charge

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings is the first company to face charges brought under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, after a junior employee died when a pit collapsed on him.

Liability for negligence: A costly reminder

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

Indemnity clauses and negligence - a review of the impact of the judgment in the Buncefield disaster case on the effect of indemnity clauses and whether a party can recover under an indemnity clause where it caused the damage by its own negligence.

Budget 2009: Tax Summary

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

The Chancellor delivered the 2009 Budget on 22 April 2009. The following is a summary of the main points of interest.

Focus on compliance: HMRC compliance checks on employer records

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has signalled its intention to focus on employer/contractor tax compliance by releasing a series of leaflets highlighting preparatory work employers should do prior to an HMRC compliance check.

HMRC backtracks on VAT bad debt relief claims

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

If one makes supplies of goods or services to a customer and is unfortunately not paid, which is perhaps more likely in the current economic climate, then it may be possible to claim relief from VAT on the bad debt or debts.

Test purchasers: Can I see some ID please?

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00 GMT

You won't be surprised to hear that the onset of school holidays often brings with it a swath of age restricted sales test purchasing including purchases of alcohol, cigarettes, dvds and knives.

Employment Act 2008: Eagerly awaited repeal of the statutory procedures just days away

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00 GMT

On 6 April 2009 the mandatory dismissal and disciplinary procedures and grievance procedures (the statutory procedures) will be repealed when relevant provisions of the Employment Act 2008 come into force.

HSE has eyes on refurbishment sites

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00 GMT

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is targeting 1,500 refurbishment sites across the UK in a clampdown on dangerous practices.

Stress in the workplace: How can employers avoid liability?

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00 GMT

Reports suggest employees' stress levels are rising due to the economic downturn. Job security fears can lead to working longer hours in a bid to avoid redundancy. Employers need to be vigilant to avoid potential liability for work-related stress claims.

FSA bares its teeth

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00 GMT

Hector Sants, chief executive of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has told the financial services industry, in no uncertain terms, to be afraid.

Old fashioned values: The importance of pensions detail

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00 GMT

Recent media attention on pensions highlights a number of problems and issues faced by many UK pension schemes and UK businesses.

Late payment and interest update: What are you entitled to?

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00 GMT

The Court of Appeal has given judgment in a case concerning interest allowed under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998.

'Not waving, but drowning': Dealing with 'underwater' options

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00 GMT

The worldwide recession has seen almost three quarters of FTSE 100 companies' employee share options slip 'underwater', according to recent research.

Outsourcing: No TUPE where contractor change fragments services

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00 GMT

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has held that there was no TUPE transfer where services once carried out by one contactor were transferred to several different contractors in a fragmented way.

Failure to employ non-EEA nationals can be race discrimination

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decided a law firm had indirectly discriminated against an applicant for a solicitor training contract on the grounds of his nationality.

Employees will be able to request time off for training

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill (the Bill) contains details of the new right to request time off for training, proposed by the Government last year.

Distressed business buyers: Are there alternatives to asset sales?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

This article discusses the use of a hive-down in the context of a distressed business purchase, and some of the bear traps awaiting the unwary.

Compensation award for employee inventors is first of its kind

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

For the first time ever, the High Court has awarded two employees compensation for their inventions, which were held to be of 'outstanding benefit' to their employer.

Software development: How agile are you?

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

With the credit crunch likely to affect every aspect of the global economy, the prospect of declining revenue threatens to erode the profitability of many businesses.

Racial harassment: Thoughtless comments could have financial costs

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has taken a fresh look at the law on harassment, and handed down guidelines for tribunals dealing with such cases. These make interesting reading for employers and their legal advisers.

Pre-packs: So you think it's a TOGC?

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

Pre-pack administration sales - pre-packs - is the process by which the assets of a struggling company (Oldco) are transferred to a new company (Newco), before being sold by the administrator to new owners.

Risk assessments: so much more than ticking boxes

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

Risk assessments have always been top of the agenda for scrutiny by the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) - recognising that they form an essential part of health and safety compliance - and are not merely a tick box exercise.

Paid annual leave during sick leave: ECJ's decision in Stringer v HMRC

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

In this article we consider the practical implications of the decision in Stringer for employers.

Alternatives to redundancy: Changing terms and conditions

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

Many employers face difficult choices as they strive to cut costs to help them stay afloat in the current economic climate. But redundancy doesn't always have to be the answer. We share some practical tips on an alternative: changing terms and conditions.

Taxation of termination payments: Don't heap misery on misery

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

As the recession continues, many employers will be faced with the unfortunate situation where they are forced to consider the possibility of downsizing their workforce.

Late payment and interest: What are you entitled to?

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00 GMT

The UK was one of the first EU countries to implement late payment legislation, introducing a statutory interest rate of 8% above base rate.

Trade marks on free promotional goods not 'genuine use' - ECJ

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00 GMT

A European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling has provided further guidance to businesses on what constitutes 'genuine use' of a trade mark for the purpose of maintaining trade mark registration.

House of Lords rules POVA list unlawful

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00 GMT

The House of Lords yesterday handed down a decision that could affect the legitimacy of the POVA list.

Blow for employers as ECJ confirms ill staff accrue holiday

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00 GMT

A worker's entitlement to annual leave continues to accrue while they are off sick, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has confirmed.

Are there any limits on absolute discretion?

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00 GMT

Many property agreements allow the developer to decide whether conditions attaching to planning permissions are onerous without imposing a parallel obligation to act reasonably.

Directors' new duty to avoid conflicts of interest

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00 GMT

The Companies Act 2006 (the Act) has introduced a number of statutory duties which all company directors must comply with.

Businesses urged to beware 'clickwrap' trap

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

Businesses ordering or installing computer software could find themselves in a legal tangle with 'clickwrap' agreements

Coke Cola ordered to change its name

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

Coke Cola Limited has been ordered to change its name by the Company Names Tribunal (CNT).

Employers urged to review party policies

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

With office parties in full swing and police anti-drink drive campaigns underway, employers should review what they tell employees intent on enjoying themselves.

The OFT release new Information Sheets

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

Given the current economic climate, it has been a busy year for all lenders, but coupled with the biggest overhaul of Consumer Credit Law since 1974, with the introduction of Consumer Credit Act 2006, the changes for this year are not over yet.

Consultation on closing tips loophole added to menu

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

Government launches consultation on closing the tips loophole, allowing tips paid to workers via payroll to count towards national minimum wage pay.

Consultation on changing Disability Discrimination Act 1995

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

Disability discrimination laws in the UK look set for a shake-up as the Government considers how to respond to a recent House of Lords ruling which, potentially, narrowed the scope of protection for disabled people.

Confirmation that disability discrimination by association now applies to all employers

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

A tribunal has confirmed that the UK's disability discrimination legislation already extends to "associative discrimination".

Border agency updates TUPE notification guidance

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has updated its guidance on notification following a transfer under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE).

Court confirms there is life in LIFO

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

The High Court recently considered the UK's age discrimination legislation in the context of a redundancy situation, giving guidance on the use of the 'last in first out' (LIFO) selection criterion.

Redundancy and unfair dismissal costs to increase from February 2009

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

The Government has announced the new compensation limits that will apply from 1 February 2009. This change also affects the amount of statutory redundancy pay an employer is required to make.

Death knell for the sick note?

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00 GMT

Days of being signed off sick may be numbered under Government plans to radically change attitudes to illness and work. A new "fit note" focusing on what work an employee can do rather than what they can't do will replace the current medical certificate.

Pre-budget report 2008 - tax issues

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

The Chancellor delivered the 2008 Pre-Budget Report yesterday (24 November 2008). The following is a summary of the main points:

VoIP: What's the catch?

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

Solicitor and commercial specialist Ross Woodham takes a technical and commercial look at Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), as it grows in popularity.

Employment Act 2008 passed

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

The much anticipated Employment Act 2008 (the Act) received Royal Assent on the 13 November.

Turbulent times bring landlords' remedies to the fore

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

In these turbulent economic times the remedies available to a landlord against a defaulting tenant are once again in the spotlight.

Goodbye statutory procedures, hello ACAS code of practice

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

The new ACAS Code of Practice (the Code has been approved by the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and will now go to Parliament for final approval.

When the drink runs dry

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

In the current economic climate many businesses are battling for survival, and there are daily reports of pubs, hotels, restaurants and clubs becoming insolvent or being repossessed.

Shopping centres' landmark trade mark decision

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

A landmark High Court judgement has ruled that names and brands of shopping centres can be registered as trade marks.

Prepare for more information access requests businesses told

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

Companies should be prepared for an increase in the use of subject access requests (SARs) by individuals affected by the economic downturn.

Redundancy rights and wrongs

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

With the UK economy continuing to be buffeted by the storm of the global financial crisis, the effects are now starting to be felt nearer to home in the real economy.

Get ready for immigration system's big shake-up

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

The biggest shake-up of the immigration system for 45-years happens at the end of November. Tiers 2 and 5 of the new Australian-style points-based system come into force on 27 November 2008.

Don't fall victim to corporate ID theft

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

Increasing numbers of businesses are falling victim to identity theft, Shoosmiths has warned.

Internet expansion: the new .brand gTLD

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

The anticipated new registration scheme allowing companies to apply to register their own gTLD's will see a huge change in the way in which the internet is structured.

New serious crime offences for IP cheats

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

Trademark and copyright infringers face new punishments as a result of the Serious Crime Act 2007.

Doh! Law degree requirement was not age discrimination

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:00 GMT

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) found that a 61-year-old employee was not discriminated against on the grounds of age when his employer introduced a new grading system.

New Year heralds prison sentences for health and safety offences

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00 GMT

A new Act which comes into force on 16 January 2009 imposes serious new penalties for directors, employers and employees who are convicted of a health and safety offence.

Sales risks: how exposed is your business?

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00 GMT

In the current climate stories are emerging daily of situations where suppliers can no longer obtain credit insurance in respect of particular customers.

Questions over ex gratia payments continue to tax employers

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00 GMT

Tax treatment of termination payments is a perennial issue for employers and their lawyers. Employees often believe they are automatically entitled to tax free payments, but this depends on the facts of the individual case.

Stress in the workplace: reasons to be fearful

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00 GMT

Employers owe a duty of care to staff, and must do all they can to protect employees' health and safety at work. This extends to protecting employees' mental health. Employers failing to do so can be liable for unlimited damages for psychiatric injury.

Law firm Shoosmiths to open in Manchester with lender services team

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00 GMT

National law firm Shoosmiths has announced plans to open a new office in Manchester within the next three months, establishing the firm's first base in the North West.

Adjudicators must give both sides a fair hearing

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00 GMT

Less than 1% of adjudication decisions are not enforced by the Court. Recently the Court was asked to consider a new argument based on breach of natural justice, associated with the strict timetable required in adjudications.

Companies Act offers hope for defending company names

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00 GMT

New legislation from 1 October 2008 will give the owners of goodwill in a mark a new weapon against those seeking to take advantage of the reputation of their brand.

Review urged as regulators crackdown on non-compliant websites

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00 GMT

With a crack-down on non-compliant online retailers under way, now is a good time for operators of e-commerce sites to give themselves a legal health-check.

Guard against rising corporate identity theft

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00 GMT

Increasing numbers of businesses are falling victim to identity theft. According to figures released by life assistance firm CPP, the number of cases has risen by 154% since June 2007.

Think twice before ganging up on Google

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00 GMT

Google prompted angry response when it allowed businesses to sponsor keyword search terms consisting of third-party trade marks via its online advertising facility AdWords.

Bleak outlook demands updated contracts

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00 GMT

Many contracts have been signed in better times. Now the economic outlook is not as bright. Whatever the nature of the agreement (IT, outsourcing, supply etc), there may be a feeling that a contract is no longer providing the value you expect.

Jumping the gun on retirement was age discrimination

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00 GMT

In a recent case an employer paid a heavy financial penalty for retiring an employee one day before his 65th birthday. The employment tribunal awarded the employee over �36,000 in compensation.

Regulators handed greater, more flexible sanctions

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00 GMT

As regulators are handed more weapons with which to battle non-compliant businesses, we urge those businesses not to take sanctions lying down, and to challenge them if necessary.

Mediation - being unreasonable and maintaining privilege

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00 GMT

Mediation has been triumphed as the way forward but what about when it fails? Do the costs consequences mean you should always take part even if you fail to actively participate and are the costs of mediation itself recoverable?

Debt recovery remedies on the way - but not until 2009

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00 GMT

A raft of new remedies is being proposed as a result of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008: Impact on the Finance Industry

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00 GMT

The new Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 have wide-reaching implications for all sorts of businesses. Here, partner and head of asset finance Joanne Davis looks at how they might affect the finance sector.

Lenders urged to consider changes when planning debt recovery strategies

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00 GMT

The Common Financial Statement (CFS) was relaunched on 16 June 2008. Sponsored by the British Bankers Association (BBA) and the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), the CFS provides trigger figures agreed with the industry and advice sector.

Draft Construction Contracts Bill - how will the changes affect you?

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00 GMT

The proposed amendments to the Act have now been issued by DBERR. They are due to progress through parliament this session, but the key question is are they as anticipated and do they cover the recommendations made for change?

Data security breaches and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00 GMT

The national news has featured many cases of serious data security breaches. In June it was the retail company Cotton Traders Ltd who illustrated the far reaching consequences of inadequate security systems.

Must you disclose internal investigations to regulators?

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00 GMT

Following a serious accident or fatality in the workplace, an organisation will no doubt want to carry out an internal investigation to try and ascertain what the root causes of the incident were and prevent future accidents recurring.

Knife sales: Undercover kids

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00 GMT

The BBC reported that in the five years leading up to 2006 no-one was jailed for selling a knife to a child in England and Wales.

European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling extends UK's discrimination law

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00 GMT

The ECJ has delivered a ruling which extends the ambit of the UK's disability discrimination legislation to those who are discriminated against because of their association with a disabled person but who are not themselves disabled.

House of Lords changes the law on disability-related discrimination

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00 GMT

The House of Lords has delivered a major judgement which will change the way in which the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 is interpreted and which is expected to make it harder for employees to succeed in claims of disability related discrimination.

Resolving a dispute? New rules for asking an expert

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00 GMT

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is considerably less �alternative' than it was five years ago. The Academy of Experts, the professional body for expert witnesses around the world, has just published new rules for expert determination.

Draft ACAS guidance on new disciplinary and grievance Code of Practice published

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00 GMT

ACAS has published draft guidance to accompany the new Code of Practice that is expected to come into force in April 2009 which sets out good practice for dealing with discipline and grievances in the workplace.

Three issues key to bank charges test case

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00 GMT

On 24 April 2008, the now celebrated test case on charges made by banks and building societies for unauthorised overdrafts was taken to the High Court by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), seven UK banks and a building society.

Brands' frosty reception for keyword search policy change

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00 GMT

Search engine Google has made a significant policy change to its online advertising facility - AdWords - in the UK and Ireland, allowing open bidding on all keyword search terms, including those protected by trademarks.

Landlords must have robust gas safety procedures

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00 GMT

Over recent months there have been a number of high profile cases which have been reported about gas incidents in properties owned or managed by housing landlords.

Jimmy Choo obtains favourable settlement against Office

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00 GMT

Office, the High Street footwear retailer, has agreed to pay almost �7,500 and destroy over 1300 pairs of shoes after Jimmy Choo claimed that Office had copied its famous "Metallic Framed" heel.

Minimising the risk of discrimination

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00 GMT

According to the Equality and Human Rights Commission there are 10 million people in the UK who have rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Unfair and aggressive trading practices to be outlawed

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00 GMT

A crackdown on aggressive selling will for the first time prohibit businesses from adopting �unfair trading practices' and see more than 30 specific types of business methods blacklisted in a move to protect consumers.

Employers could be liable for equipment in private homes

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00 GMT

Thousands of companies and organisations could be sued by staff injured even when using equipment not provided or maintained by their employer.

Shoosmiths launches new finance litigation and regulatory team in Birmingham

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00 GMT

National firm Shoosmiths has launched a new finance litigation and regulatory service in Birmingham with the appointment of a team of four from BPE Solicitors.

Residential landlords alert after scalded baby death inquest

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00 GMT

Shoosmiths is urging residential landlords to heed warnings about the dangers of hot water systems after an inquest into the death of a severely scalded 10-month-old baby said the tragedy could have been avoided.

Shoosmiths gives copycats the boot

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00 GMT

A London-based retailer has agreed to remove more than 130 pairs of boots from sale and donate them to Oxfam after designer Georgina Goodman claimed it had copied one of her styles.

Suppliers urged to safeguard goods in tough trading climate

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00 GMT

Suppliers are being warned to protect their goods amid predictions of a tough trading climate in 2008.

Fraudsters targeting IT wholesalers to rake in millions of pounds a day

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00 GMT

IT companies are among the top targets for fraudsters stealing around �4 million a day from UK businesses.