UK Implements Key Changes to Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) Under Windsor Framework
Effective 1 January 2025, the United Kingdom has enacted significant reforms to its Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) regime for medicinal products, aligning with the provisions of the Windsor Framework. These changes aim to streamline the regulatory landscape post-Brexit and ensure the uninterrupted supply of medicines across the UK, including Northern Ireland. Overview of the […]
UK Supreme Court to Decide on AI Patentability in Emotional Perception Case
The UK Supreme Court is set to hear a pivotal case that could redefine the boundaries of patent law concerning artificial intelligence (AI). The case, Emotional Perception AI Ltd v Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, centers on whether AI systems, specifically those utilizing artificial neural networks (ANNs), can be patented under UK law. […]
Getty Images v. Stability AI: A Landmark UK Case Poised to Redefine AI and Copyright Law
In a pivotal legal battle set to unfold this summer, the UK High Court will hear Getty Images v. Stability AI, a case that could significantly shape how artificial intelligence (AI) development is treated under UK copyright law. The Core Dispute Getty Images, a leading global visual content provider, is suing Stability AI, […]
UK Government’s AI Copyright Plans Face Growing Backlash from Creative Sector
The UK government is facing mounting criticism from leading figures in the creative industries over proposed reforms to copyright law that aim to support artificial intelligence (AI) development. Following a recent public consultation on “Copyright and Artificial Intelligence,” the government outlined its preferred approach: allowing AI developers to use copyrighted materials for training datasets under […]
Right to Work Scheme to Expand Under Immigration Bill Reform
The UK government has introduced a clause to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill which would expand the scope of the right to work regime. If passed, the changes would require employers and other businesses to carry out right to work checks for individuals engaged under a broader range of working arrangements, including: […]
IoD Publishes Proposed Code of Conduct for Directors
The Institute of Directors has released a consultation document on a proposed Code of Conduct for Directors. The Code aims to serve as a practical tool to aid directors in making improved decisions. It also offers organisational leaders a behavioural framework designed to build and sustain public trust in their business operations. The document was […]
Consultation to Relax Non-Financial Reporting for Medium-Sized Companies
The Government is currently consulting on proposed changes to the UK’s non-financial reporting regime, which aim to reduce the burden on medium-sized companies. A company qualifies as “medium-sized” in a financial year if it meets at least two of the following three criteria: a. Annual turnover exceeding £10.2m but not more than £36m. b. Balance […]
Draft Legislation to Protect Residential Addresses on Companies House
The Government has released draft regulations aimed at enhancing the protection of individuals’ usual residential addresses (URA) from being publicly accessible at Companies House. Under the new regulations, individuals would be allowed to suppress their URA from public view if it has previously been used as a company’s registered office address, a provision not currently […]
Companies House Issues Draft Rules for Director ID Verification
Companies House has unveiled draft rules concerning the identity verification of directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and others under forthcoming changes. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 amended the Companies Act 2006 and the Limited Partnerships Act 1907, introducing requirements for certain individuals to verify their identity. This applies to individual directors […]
March 2024: New Provisions In Force Under Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
In late October 2023, the Economic Crime and Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) was enacted, marking a significant reform in company law and the most substantial overhaul in the history of Companies House. The implementation of ECCTA’s measures will be phased and are contingent upon the enactment of secondary legislation. 1. New Provisions Effective From […]
Sponsor Licence Renewals Abolished from April 2024
The requirement for UK sponsors to renew their sponsor licence every four years is being abolished from April 2024, under new Home Office rules. In light of the changes, UK sponsor licences expiring on or after 6 April 2024 are now being automatically extended by 10 years. Licences that are automatically extended will not end […]
Company Law Reform: Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act Now In Force
After passing through parliament, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act has now become law. The Act aims to enhance measures against economic crime and increase transparency of corporate entities. It follows the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022, which enabled the government to impose sanctions more rapidly, established a register of overseas entities […]
ACAS Opens Consultation on Predictable Working
ACAS has launched a public consultation on its draft code of practice for responding to requests for a predictable work schedule. The draft statutory code outlines the procedures that employers must follow when responding to requests for more consistent working schedules or hours. These procedures include the practical considerations employers should take into account when […]
Care Workers Permitted to Pursue Unfair Dismissal Claim for Refusing Covid Jab
Three care workers who refused to have the Covid-19 vaccine have been given permission to continue their claims for unfair dismissal. Ms Dimitrova, Ms Chadwick and Ms Hussain were employed by UK care home provider Barchester Healthcare, which implemented a ‘no jab, no job’ policy within the organisation in 2021. The policy was in effect […]
MAC Recommends Reforms of UK Shortage Occupation List
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its latest review of the UK’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The review was originally commissioned in August 2022 and covers information from the MAC’s own research as well as input from wider stakeholder engagement through its Call for Evidence. In the report, published on 3 October 2023, the MAC […]
ICO Issues New Guidance on Workforce Monitoring
The UK’s data regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has issued new guidance for employers on monitoring workers and how this interacts with data protection. The guidance, “Employment practices and data protection − Monitoring workers“, highlights the imperative for employers to balance their legal obligations and their workers’ rights when implementing workforce monitoring. The new […]
New Right for Workers to Request Predictable Working Patterns in 2024
A new law designed to give workers on flexible or casual contracts more predictable working patterns has received Royal Assent. The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023, which is expected to come into force in Summer 2024, will afford workers such as temporary workers and those on zero hour contracts a new statutory right […]
Electronic Trade Documents Act Takes Effect
The Electronic Trade Documents Act (ETDA) takes effect today, 20 September 2023. Implementing detailed recommendations made by the Law Commission of England and Wales, the new law paves the way for the greater digitalisation of trade procedures by giving digital versions of key trade documents – including bills of lading – the same legal recognition as […]
Increases Across UK Home Office Application Fees from 4 October 2023
The Home Office has announced increases in UK visa, settlement and nationality fees that will take effect from 4 October 2023. The increases cover a wide range of applications, across UK entry clearance, indefinite leave to enter, indefinite leave to remain and applications for leave to remain in the UK such as many work and […]
CMA Increases Reward for Cartel Informants to up to £250,000
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is enhancing its enforcement efforts against illegal cartels by offering a reward of up to £250,000, up from £100,000, to individuals who report illegal cartel activity. Illegal cartels, which consist of businesses agreeing not to compete in order to keep their prices high, prevent consumers and other businesses from […]