The importance of Safer Internet Day

Tuesday 11th February is Safer Internet Day. Going now for around 16 years, Safer Internet Day will be marked globally with the theme – Together for a Better Internet. Along with thousands of other organisations, Bates Wells has registered its support for this initiative. What is Safer Internet Day? It’s been said that if you …
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Employers facing post-Brexit uncertainty: Chetal Patel comments on Global Talent visa launch

In the run-up to the UK’s official exit from the European Union, Chetal Patel responded to the launch of the Global Talent visa with her thoughts on what recent developments in the field of immigration law mean for employers. Addressing the “pivotal” announcement of the new visa, Chetal makes the point that the development and …
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Charity Finance: Paul Seath provides legal guidance on how employers can address bullying in the workplace

Paul Seath, partner in our employment team, has provided legal insights to Charity Finance for a feature focusing on workplace bullying and how charities can put in place effective policies to address and prevent it. Charity Finance’s article follows the publication of ACEVO’s In Plain Sight report, which examines the presence of bullying across the …
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Jamie Huard blogs for Charity Finance on Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) policy

Prior to this year’s submission deadline, Jamie Huard has written an explainer for charitable companies detailing what is required of them under the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) policy. Following a summary of why the policy was introduced and what its possible benefits are, Jamie addresses some key questions often asked by charities about …
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BatesCast: UK immigration in the new normal

Navigating the UK immigration system can be a challenge in ordinary times. In the current climate, with many processes suspended and further changes on the horizon, Tim Barnden has been advising clients on managing in the new normal. In today’s episode, we discuss government concessions, continuing appeals, and the challenges faced by people stuck abroad …
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Adapting schools and colleges for social distancing – property law considerations

With the Government taking cautious steps to ease the coronavirus lockdown, schools are at the forefront of the plans, with the intended return of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 on 1 June marking the first step of a gradual re-opening of the education sector. Beyond this first step; maintained schools, academies, further education colleges, …
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Adapting schools and colleges for social distancing – property law considerations

With the Government taking cautious steps to ease the coronavirus lockdown, schools are at the forefront of the plans, with the intended return of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 on 1 June marking the first step of a gradual re-opening of the education sector. Beyond this first step; maintained schools, academies, further education colleges, …
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COVID-19 prompts calls for public inquiry

PPE supply. Handling of care homes. High proportion of deaths in the BAME population. Award of government contracts. These are just some of the issues which have led to calls for a public inquiry into the government’s response to COVID-19. Public inquiries can shed light on institutional failings and provide recommendations which, if implemented, pave …
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Coronavirus and the Impact Economy: what do you need to know?

In this week’s roundup, we examine how the evolving coronavirus pandemic is affecting the impact economy. We take a look at some key considerations for purposeful businesses and recipients of social investment, the duties of B Corporation directors, and operating with values and purpose. Webinars If you’re an impact-driven organisation, your approach during this challenging time …
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Bates Wells successfully represents clients in claim for delivery up of twenty seven Second World War motorcycles

Malcolm Robson and Lucinda Ellen have acted for the successful claimants, obtaining a summary judgment for the delivery up of the 27 vintage motorcycles, possession of which was being retained by a third party in the (as was established, wrongful) belief that it was entitled to exercise a common law right known as a particular …
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FAQs on the Government’s coronavirus Future Fund which launched today (20 May 2020)

What is it? The Government has made an initial £250 million available for investment to support continued growth and innovation in sectors including technology, life sciences and the creative industries. Although this sounds helpful, the nature and structure of the scheme will be of limited use to smaller early stage start-ups. Are you eligible? On …
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‘Global Britain’ restricts rules on representatives of overseas businesses

In the midst of a global pandemic, and whilst the immigration law community waits with baited breath for further guidance related to COVID-19, on Thursday 14th May a new statement of changes to the Immigration Rules was laid before Parliament. The statement contains significant changes to the sole representative of an overseas business (‘sole rep’) …
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