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The summer of discontent?

Published on 31 Jul 2020. By Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG strategy lead and Ben Roberts, Partner

What comes to mind when you hear the word "summer"? The unbridled joy of no more school for 6 whole weeks? Buckets, spades and wind-swept beaches? Perhaps the call of a sun-soaked tropical island? For most, summer means taking some time out to recharge and switch off.

New developments in AI may put law firms at greater risk of phishing fraud

Published on 28 Apr 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Tom Morris, Associate and Tamsin Hyland, Partner

As the computing power of Artificial Intelligence continues to grow exponentially, we consider how generative technology may expand the reach of traditional phishing frauds aimed at law firms.

Is the FCA to blame for BSPS? MPs seem to think so

Published on 22 Jul 2022. By Rachael Healey, Partner

The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday published a report entitled "Investigation into the British Steel Pension Scheme". The report makes a number of recommendations in light of its investigations in to the FCA's conduct and regulatory oversight at the time of the issues arising from the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) and in particular the decision by 7,834 members to transfer to a personal pension arrangement. The report is heavily critical of the FCA's handling of BSPS and its regulatory oversight of the defined benefit transfer market generally. Given the request in the report for an update from the FCA on its progress on the various recommendations and conclusions in 6 months' time, we wait to see how the FCA reacts to yet further criticism of its handling of BSPS at a time when it is reviewing responses to the consumer redress scheme consultation.

SIPPs and FOS - does the Rowanmoor decision change anything?

Published on 02 Feb 2022. By Rachael Healey, Partner

Last week FOS published a decision it reached last year in a complaint against a SIPP provider involving advised sales. The FOS upheld the complaint, finding that the SIPP provider should have rejected business from the regulated financial adviser, CIB Life and Pensions Limited (CIB), given, broadly, red flags available to the SIPP provider with respect to the operation of CIB's business model including that CIB was not advising on the ultimate investment within the SIPP and as a result such introductions involved a significant risk of consumer detriment. The decision has received quite a bit of press attention - but has it moved the dial for SIPP complaints before FOS or not?

The Future of Insolvency Regulation

Published on 04 Jan 2022. By Rachael Healey, Partner

On 21 December 2021 the Government launched a consultation into the future of insolvency regulation. The changes proposed in the consultation document will have a wide ranging impact on the insolvency profession (and its insurers) with the proposals including: the direct regulation of insolvency firms, the introduction of a single regulatory body with powers to order compensation against insolvency practitioners and firms, a new additional requirements regime, changes to the bond regime and a public register of insolvency practitioners and firms. Many of the changes proposed require primary legislation and so it may be some time before the changes to take effect (if adopted). But there does appear to be some wind behind these proposals given they follow on from the Call for Evidence in 2019 and a more general focus on insolvency issues in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

What 6 key challenges will insurers face in 2024?

Published on 11 Jan 2024. By Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance

Climate change, Artificial Intelligence and ESG top this year's predictions in latest edition of Annual insurance review from international law firm RPC

Procedure damages & costs

Published on 11 Jan 2024.

In this chapter of our Annual Insurance Review 2024, we look at the main developments in 2023 and expected issues in 2024 for Procedure damages & costs.

Product liability

Published on 11 Jan 2024.

In this chapter of our Annual Insurance Review 2024, we look at the main developments in 2023 and expected issues in 2024 for Product liability.

Annual Insurance Review 2023

Published on 12 Jan 2023. By Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance

Hello and welcome to RPC's Annual Insurance Review – a look back at the events that shaped the insurance market in 2022 and a look forward towards what to expect in 2023.

What are the 8 key concerns insurers will face in 2023?

Published on 12 Jan 2023. By Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance

Annual Insurance Review from international law firm RPC identifies ESG risks, climate change and cyber-attacks as top challenges.

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Rise with RPC

The Work Couch: AI (Part 3): The role of emotional intelligence and AI's impact on wellbeing, with Jake Wall and Patrick Brodie

Published on 26 Jun 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: AI (Part 2): Privacy, bias, and discrimination

Published on 13 Jun 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

AI (Part 1): Impact on litigation, responsible use and the regulatory landscape

Published on 29 May 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Mental health at work (Part 4): Mental health first aid, with Simon Blake OBE

Published on 22 May 2024.

We are marking Mental health awareness week this month by devoting a four-part mini-series to mental health at work. In our concluding episode this week, Ellie is joined by Simon Blake OBE, Chief Executive at Mental Health First Aid England to explain the role of mental health first aid in the workplace.

The Work Couch: Mental health at work (Part 3): Protecting your employees' digital wellbeing, with Alice Hendy MBE

Published on 15 May 2024.

We are marking Mental health awareness week this month by devoting a four-part mini-series to mental health at work. This week, in part 3, Ellie is joined by Alice Hendy MBE, CEO and founder of charity R;pple Suicide Prevention to explain how employers can protect their employees' digital wellbeing.

The Work Couch: Mental health at work (Part 2): Implementing effective mental wellbeing measures, with Neil Laybourn

Published on 08 May 2024.

To mark Mental health awareness week this month, we are devoting a four-part mini-series to mental health at work. In part 2, Ellie is joined by the other key person from the incredible "Stranger on the bridge" story, Neil Laybourn, who on that fateful day in January 2008, stopped to talk to Jonny Benjamin, who was about to take his own life on Waterloo Bridge.

The Work Couch: Mental health at work (Part 1): Turning despair into hope, with Jonny Benjamin MBE

Published on 01 May 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Government "crackdown" on "gagging clauses" is not new, but an important reminder

Published on 29 Apr 2024. By Macaela Joyes, Associate

The use of confidentiality clauses and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) by employers, whether as standalone agreements, or forming terms within employment contracts, settlement agreements, or COT3 agreements, has been subject to considerable scrutiny in the UK in recent years - despite existing professional obligations on UK regulated lawyers not to advance all-encompassing, unlimited NDAs.

The Work Couch: Whistleblowing (Part 3): 5 key challenges for employers in 2024

Published on 24 Apr 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch - Addiction at work: Disciplinary or wellbeing issue?

Published on 10 Apr 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Whistleblowing (Part 2): How to approach whistleblowing complaints

Published on 27 Mar 2024.

In part 2 of our mini-series on whistleblowing, Ellie Gelder is joined by Sybille Raphael, legal director at whistleblowing charity Protect, to explain how employers can approach whistleblowing complaints proactively and effectively.

Navigating the impact of AI on work: challenges, opportunities, and the human touch

Published on 20 Mar 2024. By Patrick Brodie, Partner

The fear of job losses because of technology and automation, including artificial intelligence, has been with us since the 1960s. For some time, academics have predicted the decline of routine, rules-based and process-driven roles.

The Work Couch: Exploring the cost of untapped talent: Social mobility

Published on 13 Mar 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Social washing: Avoiding the pitfalls

Published on 28 Feb 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Whistleblowing (Part 1): A whistlestop tour of the law

Published on 14 Feb 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Trans inclusion at work: how to be a good ally

Published on 31 Jan 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: What's on the horizon for employment law in 2024?

Published on 17 Jan 2024.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: 12 days of Christmas - A look back at 12 key employment law developments from 2023

Published on 13 Dec 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Reforms to working time record-keeping, holiday pay and entitlement, and TUPE consultation

Published on 28 Nov 2023. By Patrick Brodie, Partner and Charlotte Bray, Associate

The government has issued its response to the consultation on reforms to retained EU employment law proposed earlier this year.

Menopause discrimination: Where are we now?

Published on 16 Nov 2023. By Ellie Gelder, Senior Editor Employment & Equality and Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG strategy lead

October heralded an important legal first when a Leicester employment tribunal began hearing the case of Rooney v Leicester City Council. It is the first case where a person's menopausal symptoms have been deemed by an appeal court to potentially amount to a disability for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.

The Work Couch: Pregnancy loss and work (Part 2): How to support your people effectively

Published on 11 Oct 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Performance issues in a redundancy situation

Published on 04 Oct 2023.

Welcome to our recently launched podcast, The Work Couch. In this series, we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Bereavement at work

Published on 20 Sep 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Adjusting your recruitment process for a candidate with a disability: What is reasonable?

Published on 18 Sep 2023. By Ellie Gelder, Senior Editor Employment & Equality and Charlotte Reid, Senior Associate

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has held that a failure to make enquiries into a job applicant's disability amounted to a failure to make reasonable adjustments.

The Work Couch: Reforms to employment rights for parents and carers: Where are we now?

Published on 07 Sep 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Fertility challenges and work (Part 2): How to support your people

Published on 26 Jul 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Fertility challenges and work (Part 1): A partner's perspective

Published on 19 Jul 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Business protection (Part 2): Supporting and retaining senior talent

Published on 12 Jul 2023.

An introduction to TUPE (Part 2): The TUPE journey

Published on 29 Jun 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Pregnancy loss and work (Part 1): Does the law reflect expected work cultures?

Published on 14 Jun 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Sexual harassment in a post #MeToo era – (Part 2) with Macaela Joyes

Published on 31 May 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

The Work Couch: Business protection (Part 1): When a senior executive leaves

Published on 17 May 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Senior executive leaving? Six steps to protect your business

Published on 17 May 2023. By Patrick Brodie, Partner and Ellie Gelder, Senior Editor Employment & Equality

When an executive or key strategic employee departs your organisation, protecting your organisation's business interests is paramount.

Tips On Implementing Menopause Support Policies At Work

Published on 16 May 2023. By Ellie Gelder, Senior Editor Employment & Equality and Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG strategy lead

The conversation around menopause and its associated challenges is undoubtedly becoming more open and frequent, with people in the public eye speaking out about their experiences and urging women and others experiencing menopause to seek support and treatment.

The Mandatory Reference Checking Scheme – Part 1: Employees' rights and entitlements

Published on 12 May 2023. By Andrea Randall, Partner

Following up on our previous article on the obligations of authorized institutions ("AI") as Recruiting AIs and Reference Providing AIs under the Mandatory Reference Checking Scheme (the "MRC Scheme"), this article shifts the focus onto the rights of a prospective employee under the MRC Scheme.

The Work Couch: Flexible Working

Published on 03 May 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.

Phase 1 of the Mandatory Reference Checking Scheme: What should employers look out for?

Published on 20 Apr 2023. By Andrea Randall, Partner and Lillian Wong, Associate

On 5 May 2022, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA") announced the implementation of the Mandatory Reference Checking Scheme (the "MRC Scheme") (including the guidelines) issued by the Hong Kong Association of Banks and the DTC Association (the "Guidelines").

The Work Couch: Preventing sexual harassment post-#MeToo (Part 1): How do UK and Australian laws compare?

Published on 19 Apr 2023.

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast series where we explore how your business can navigate today's tricky people challenges and respond to key developments in the ever-evolving world of employment law.