Barristers Take Indefinite Strike Action Over Pay in England & Wales
Criminal barristers in England and Wales are taking indefinite, uninterrupted strike action from Monday 5 September in a dispute over Legal Aid rates. The action is an escalation of the staged intermittent walkouts since the end of June, escalating to week-long strikes on alternate weeks throughout August. According to the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), which represents […]
Ofgem Threatened With Legal Action Over Price Cap Rise
The UK energy regulator, Ofgem, is being threatened with legal action over the new energy price cap and its impact on customers. The action is being brought by the not-for-profit Good law Project, campaign group Fuel Poverty Action and Dion Alexander, the Chair of the Highlands & Islands Housing Associations Affordable Warmth Group. The groups are […]
What is a Disclosure Letter?
Disclosure is a key stage in a company merger and acquisition, or a company share or asset sale. It is the process by which all important information about the company is disclosed by the seller to the buyer before completion. It is in both the seller’s and the buyer’s best interests for full and frank […]
Joint Venture Agreement: Guide for Businesses
A joint venture agreement is an ideal solution for a business initiative between two or more parties, potentially ensuring the success of that prospect more quickly and easily than if those businesses were doing it alone. Such an arrangement allows the parties to pool resources and finances together, and if executed and carried out correctly, […]
Law Reforms Proposed For Digital Assets
Reform of the law on cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has been proposed by the Law Commission of England and Wales. In its 549-page proposal document, the Commission has put forward recommendations for new laws relating specifically to digital assets — or “data objects” — given their differences to ‘traditional’ assets. The new laws would […]
TV Cameras Allowed To Film Criminal Court Proceedings
TV cameras will now be allowed in some criminal courts in England and Wales for the first time from today. Due to a change in the law, broadcasters will be able to video judges when they sentence dangerous offenders during some criminal trials at the Old Bailey and other Crown Courts. Unlike in the US and […]
New Law To Plug Staffing Gaps Caused By Strike Action
A new law has been passed allowing companies to bring in agency workers on a temporary basis to address staffing shortages caused by industrial action. Under the new rules, employers are able to fill vital roles with temporary, skilled workers to help ensure crucial public services and people’s daily lives remain uninterrupted by workforce strikes. […]
What Are Warranties And Indemnities?
Warranties and indemnities are key contractual mechanisms in any complex or high value commercial transaction, especially in the context of sale and purchase agreements (SPAs). The following guide outlines the use of warranties and indemnities in SPAs, comparing the key differences and examining how these types of clauses can be enforced through the courts. We […]
Share Purchase Agreements Explained
A share purchase agreement (SPA) is a formal agreement, or contract, that sets out the terms and conditions relating to the sale and purchase of shares in a company. A SPA is designed to transfer and assign shares of stock to the buyer, and therefore part or complete ownership. The share purchase agreement represents the […]
Home Secretary Announces Plans for UK Contactless Digital Border
The UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has outlined government plans to roll out safe “contactless” border crossings for the UK. In an announcement on the future of the UK border, Patel has detailed the new measures which will see new testing technology that would let some travellers enter the country and go through automated border […]
What is a Bare Trust?
Trusts can help to ensure that the right people inherit your wealth in accordance with your wishes. There are also certain types of trust that can be used during the course of your own lifetime so as to help your loved ones with things like educational fees and care costs. Whilst you should always seek […]
Council Tax on Empty Property (Do You Have to Pay?)
If you own an empty property, you may be wondering if you have to pay council tax on it. For homeowners and renters, council tax rules can be difficult to understand, with various bands and rates for different types of property, and discounts and exemptions available in certain limited circumstances. But failure to pay your […]
New Aviation Passenger Charter to Make Consumer Rights Clear
A new Aviation Passenger Charter has been announced by the UK Government in an effort to improve consumer awareness of travel rights. With passengers expected to face continued travel disruption this summer, the charter is intended to help passengers with issues such as flight delays and cancellations. The charter will act as a ‘one-stop shop’ […]
UK Takeover Code
The conduct of takeovers and mergers of UK public companies — and, in certain cases, private companies — is regulated by the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the ‘Takeover Code’). Issued and administered by the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers (the ‘Panel’), the Takeover Code or City Code embodies the principles and rules in […]
Additional £1 Million Funding For Legal Aid Services
Charities and organisations that offer legal aid are set to receive an addition £1 million from the government this financial year. This takes the amount awarded for legal aid funding to £4 million, up from £3 million in previous years. The grants are used to enable eligible individuals to access legal advice without having to […]
Sale and Purchase Agreement
Sale and purchase agreements are crucial documents when it comes to selling a company or company stock, or any other high value business assets. Ensuring that the agreement reflects and protects your business interests, as either a buyer or seller, is paramount to a smooth and successful outcome. Below we look at what these types […]
Heads of Terms Agreement
When selling or buying a business or corporate entity, or entering into any other complex sales transaction, the sale process will typically involve several stages, including preparation of agreed Heads of Terms. In this guide, we explain what a Heads of Terms Agreement is, and when and why these types of agreements are used. We […]
New Bill to Safeguard Fair Pay for Seafarers
A new bill has been introduced in the UK to guarantee that sailors receive pay at least equal to the National Minimum Wage. From 6 July, 2022, the Seafarers’ Wages Bill brings in new pay protection intended to prevent businesses from relying on lawful excuses to pay low wages and from underpaying seafarers who routinely visit […]
What is a Patent?
The law provides a number of ways for people to protect their intellectual property. With your IP protected, you can fully capitalise on the commercial potential your invention or idea, while preventing exploitation from others. Patents are one such type of intellectual property protection. In this guide, we outline what a patent is, what is […]
Home Office Faces Legal Challenge Over Post-Brexit EU Citizens’ Rights
The UK Home Office is facing legal action brought by a statutory body established to oversee the rights of EU citizens in the UK after Brexit. The Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) has made an application to the High Court to challenge the decision by the Home Office to take away the rights of EU nationals […]