Updates

New Year, New Act: Subsidy Control

After what has seemed for many of us to be a ‘long haul’ (no mean feat in lawyerly terms), as of 4 January 2023 we have a fully-fledged subsidy control regime in the UK with the now in-force Subsidy Control Act 2022 (the Act) and corresponding secondary legislation and guidance. The double-prize goes to Northern …
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What’s on the horizon for HR directors in 2023? Q&A with Paul Seath and Paul Jennings, partners in the employment team at Bates Wells

It looks like the unsettled market conditions are here to stay for a little longer and will continue as we head into 2023.  What does this mean for those teams responsible for the HR strategy in their organisations? How will the market affect HR teams in both the day-to-day and across their key strategic objectives, …
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Unlocking restricted funds: our top tips

In this cost-of-living crisis, many charities will be looking at whether they can unlock their restricted funds and endowments to use them for other purposes, including to support their core operating costs. All charities should review their restricted funds and endowments from time to time to make sure they are still fit for purpose. We’ve …
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What’s on the horizon for immigration law? Q&A with Chetal Patel, our new Head of Immigration at Bates Wells

It looks like the unsettled market conditions are set to continue as we head into 2023. What does this mean for those teams responsible for the immigration strategy in their organisations? In this Q&A, Chetal Patel, our new Head of Immigration at Bates Wells, covers: What’s on the horizon for immigration law? Q&A with Chetal …
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Safeguarding vulnerable service users and staff online | Our top tips for an effective Digital Safety Policy

In this article, we look at some of the ways organisations can protect themselves and others, including through having a Digital Safety Policy. With the tragic case of Molly Russell in the news recently, and the Online Safety Bill having now reached report stage in the House of Commons, digital and online safety is an …
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New guide: Best practice for approaching investigations

Investigations are, unfortunately, a fact of life for many charities. We’ve learned through experience that it’s important for charities to have a plan in place, as well as a thorough and objective process that will stand up to scrutiny and minimise the risks to your charity. The circumstances that can prompt investigations can vary widely. …
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Changes to the guidance on sponsoring migrant workers: What do employers need to know?

The Home Office recently made several changes to the guidance on sponsoring migrant workers. Overall, these are positive changes for sponsors, by reducing the reporting trigger points and building in much needed flexibility where a worker is off work for compelling reasons. Changes have been made to suit a post-pandemic world. As a result of …
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Impact real estate: Embracing the change in the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (“MEES”)

The next deadline under the MEES Regulations is 1 April 2023. While many articles outline the penalties of not meeting the new standard, we like to see the changes as an opportunity for landlords to accelerate their sustainability strategy and ultimately create long-term positive impact for their tenants as well as the value of their …
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5 minute people and workplace update

Would you like a host of simple ideas which will help you add maximum value to your organisation? Paul Seath’s weekly LinkedIn people and workplace updates, aimed at HR professionals, provide food for thought and simple ideas you can implement internally.   Here’s a roundup of from September and October 2022. Skip to: The Financial …
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The power of business: How your company can support people and the planet in the cost of living crisis

As the cost of living crisis unfolds, the UK’s businesses will experience it in different ways – but all face urgent decisions about how to respond. “The power of business” guide by B Lab UK delves into the different ways businesses can be a force for good during the current crisis. Not all companies are …
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HR Clinic: Managing the impact of the cost of living crisis

These monthly sessions held with the Heritage Alliance are led by Paul Seath, Partner, and Damian Ward, Senior Associate, in our employment team. This session focussed on how members can address the impact of the cost of living crisis on their staff in light of a potentially limited scope to increase wages. The session was …
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Covid-19 Inquiry – Module 3 now open

On 8 November, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry announced the opening of its third investigation. Module 3 will consider the impact of the pandemic on healthcare in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Module 1 is looking at the pandemic resilience and preparedness of the UK, including that of the public healthcare system. Module 3, by …
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