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FCA consultation on British Steel redress scheme published

Published on 31 Mar 2022. By David Allinson, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner

The FCA has now published its consultation paper on the proposed redress scheme for British Steel Pension transfers under s.404 of FSMA. The scope of this is wider than anticipated and the proposals contain some surprises around the lack of an opt-in process and potential involvement of FOS.

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.

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.

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) avoidance and corporate property deals – the importance of timing!

Published on 21 May 2019. By Ben Roberts, Partner

The First-Tier Tribunal has, in a recent decision, caused something of a stir for clients and advisors familiar with the well-trodden (and, usually, tax-efficient) use of offshore unit trusts to hold UK property.

Unpacking the Building Safety Act's industry overhaul

Published on 06 Mar 2024. By Zoe Eastell, Partner and Zack Gould-Wilson, Senior Associate

On June 28, 2022, the Building Safety Act 2022 received royal assent, bringing about the biggest change to building safety in 40 years.

Construction disciplinary trends analysis #2: engagement letters – worth more than the paper they're written on!

Published on 21 Feb 2024. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

This article is the second in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.

Construction disciplinary trends analysis #1: continuing professional development

Published on 16 Oct 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

This article is the first in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.

The El Niño year and impact on subsidence claims

Published on 13 Jul 2023. By Andrew Roper, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Insurers should be bracing for a wave of subsidence claims arising from the increasingly warm weather. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared that an El Niño climate event is in progress, which helps explain why June 2023 was the hottest on record in the UK.

Building on renewable energy #3 – Anaerobic Digestion

Published on 24 Sep 2020.

Anaerobic digestion is the process by which biodegradable materials are broken down in a controlled environment. Whilst being broken down, the materials emit gas (which can be used as a source of renewable energy), and produce heat (which can also be harnessed on or near-to site). The process also leaves a waste material (digestate), which can be used as fertiliser, contributing to the circular economy.

Thaler v Comptroller [2023] UKSC 49: the UKSC rules that AI cannot be an 'inventor'

Published on 10 Jan 2024. By Matthew Jones, Partner

To the surprise of no one, the UK Supreme Court (UKSC) has finally ruled that an artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be an inventor for the purposes of UK patent law. This judgment accords with the decisions of the lower courts in the UK and the initial ruling of the UKIPO. It also reflects similar findings from most of courts around the world where the claimant, Dr Thaler, brought similar actions.

EU AI ACT-ion stations

Published on 29 Sep 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Charles Buckworth, Partner

The EU is forging ahead with its vision for AI. With wrapping up talks on the EU AI Act between the EU governments, the Commission and the parliamentary negotiators imminent, we bring you up to date on the EU's risk based approach, the scope of the Act, a timeline, key points that will form the basis of the discussions and next steps.

What To Know About AI Fraudsters Before Facing Disputes

Published on 29 Aug 2023. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Senior Associate

Fraudsters are quick to weaponise new technological developments and artificial intelligence is proving no exception, with AI-assisted scams increasingly being reported in the news, including most recently one using a likeness of a BBC broadcaster.

Sports Ticker (27 April 2023) – PL gambling sponsor ban, WWE x UFC merger and Schumacher's AI interview – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 28 Apr 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Corach Rambler win the Grand National, the UK & Ireland submit its bid to host the UEFA Euro 2028 men's tournament, and 48,000 runners take to the streets for the London Marathon, we bring you updates on Spotify's new integration with Strava and Team GB's collaboration with Birds Eye. We also feature stories on a controversial AI-generated interview with Michael Schumacher and our own Kate O'Malley's sub-three hour marathon success.

RPC reacts to UK Government White Paper on AI

Published on 30 Mar 2023. By Jon Bartley, Partner and Ciara Cullen, Partner and Richard Breavington, Partner and Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG strategy lead and Helen Armstrong, Partner and Patrick Brodie, Partner and Mamata Dutta, Partner

RPC reacts to UK Government White Paper on AI

UK Government sets out proposals for regulation of AI

Published on 10 Oct 2022. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What are the UK Government’s plans for the future regulation of artificial intelligence (AI)?

ICO launches AI and Data Protection Toolkit

Published on 28 Jul 2022.

How can those engaged in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems utilise the Information Commissioner’s Office’s AI and data protection risk toolkit (the Toolkit) to better ensure compliance with data protection legislation?

UK government announces the launch of an AI standards hub

Published on 12 Apr 2022. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What does the new artificial intelligence (AI) standards hub mean for businesses seeking to develop AI technologies?

UK authorities consider position of AI in preparation for a new Golden Age of Tech

Published on 09 Jun 2021. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

The question: What direction is the UK taking regarding policies on artificial intelligence (AI)?

ICO publishes guidance on AI decision making

Published on 02 Nov 2020. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

How can companies comply with data regulation when using AI to make decisions affecting individuals?

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.

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.