On 26th February 2015 the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/102) (“the Regulations”) were published. They implemented the EU Public Sector Procurement Directive 2014/24/EU which was brought in with the intention of simplifying the existing regime, providing additional flexibility for contracting authorities, and codifying recent European case law. ...
Residential landlords need to be aware of the changes to section 21 notices which are coming into force from 1 October 2015....
The Fit for Work scheme has this week been made available to employers in England and Wales, completing a national roll-out which began in April. This provides occupational health support and advice for GPs, employers, and employees and aims to reduce long term sickness absence....
The national living wage has already started to influence the way businesses are behaving....
Human Resources’ departments are often asked to provide advice and guidance on disciplinary matters, however, a recent case from the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has warned of the risk of overstepping the mark and applying ‘improper’ influence. ...
Clients regularly ask us to review and comment on proposed contract terms, which reviews often result in a schedule of comments and suggested amendments, to which the client will refer in contract negotiations....
In many of the contracts that we put together for clients, one party (or both) may try to limit their liability for losses suffered as a result of breach of that contract. Where those contracts are individually negotiated and assess the risk open to each party, the Court will rarely intervene. ...
The Supreme Court has held that two floors within the same building that do not immediately adjoin each other will be rated separately rather than as a single hereditament in Woolway v Mazars [2015]....
The shocking images of the Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi, washed up on a Turkish beach this week have spawned social media campaigns such as “refugees welcome” and provoked many calls for action....
The Scottish government has announced this week plans to scrap employment tribunal fees north of the border, using new powers included in the Scotland Bill....
As of last month, UK passport holders wishing to visit India can apply online for an “e-Tourist visa”. Applications can be made online through the Government of India’s website, which enables applicants to upload documents, pay the fee of $60 (£39) and track their application. Once an application is submitted, visa entry documents should arrive by email within 4 days....
On Monday 21st September, Clarkslegal will be participating in the #ReadingLegalWalk to raise funds for advice agencies in Reading and the Thames Valley....
The government is introducing a new requirement for criminal record certificates to be provided as part of the visa application process....
The UK’s data protection authority - the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) - has issued Google with an enforcement notice requiring it to remove links to certain news stories....
Under the Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction Order 1994 (“the Order”) an employment tribunal may hear a breach of contract claim from an employee if it is one that ‘a court in England and Wales would under the law for the time being in force have jurisdiction to hear and determine’ and it arises or is outstanding on termination of the employee’s employment. ...
The Rugby World Cup 2015 is being hosted by England and takes place between 18th September and 31stOctober 2015....
The growth of the internet and the readily accessibility of platforms for public comment have made it easier than ever for disgruntled or vindictive ex-employees to make disparaging comments about their former employer and colleagues. ...
In a recent decision, the Northern Irish High Court has lifted the automatic suspension in a procurement challenge brought by Allpay against the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. This is interesting because in recent years the Northern Irish courts have appeared to adopt a more contractor-friendly approach to applications to lift the suspension, unlike the English courts where upholding the suspension is rare. However, the facts of the particular decision go some way to explain why the court decided against the contractor in this instance....
In the recent case of Stevens v University of Birmingham, the High Court has held that the University of Birmingham breached the implied term of trust and confidence by not allowing one of its Professors to be accompanied to a disciplinary investigation meeting by a companion of his choice (Stevens v University of Birmingham [2015] EWHC 2300)....
Under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) an individual can make a request to an organisation to find out what personal data it holds on them (often referred to as a subject access request)....