Updates

One way to make the UK’s pretensions for global climate leadership a reality

David Hunter explains why he feels the publication of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill could mark a turning point in the fight against the climate emergency. It is a bitter irony that humanity has for some precious time known how to address the causes of climate change, but has lacked the collective will to …
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Case update from Bates Wells’ Real Estate team

Megan Vick reports on the latest case law developments.
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On 22 October 2020, the Home Office published a lengthy Statement of Changes setting out the ‘Future Points-Based Immigration System’. We examine the key changes to the Skilled Worker route.

Intended as a roadmap for post-Brexit immigration, some changes are coming into effect early, at 09:00 on 01 December 2020. The Skilled Worker route fully replaces the current Tier 2 (General) migrant category. The government’s ambition to streamline the visa categories remains in question, but a key takeaway is the potential for employers to leverage …
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Covid-19 immigration concessions for family and private life applications

The Home Office recently updated its Covid-19 related concessions for those applying to enter or remain in the UK on the basis of family or private life. The key concessions are now: Switching into a family or private life route from within the UK Up to 31 August 2020 those in the UK as a …
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FAQs on the UK Government’s coronavirus quarantine rules

Since 8 June 2020, many people arriving in the UK need to provide their contact details and self-isolate for the first 14 days of their entry to the UK.   There are separate regulations in place in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. More information about the different rules for each nation is available here. Who …
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Landmark decision of the Supreme Court that charities can justify a restriction to their beneficiary class under the Equality Act

Update On 16 October 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that in certain circumstances, charities are able to restrict their beneficiary class under the Equality Act 2010 (“the Act”) even if it would otherwise be discriminatory.  The case will be of interest to faith-based organisations and other charities that provide services to limited groups of beneficiaries …
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New visa application system – The Student Route

From 9am on 5 October, applications via the old Tier 4 (General) and Tier 4 (Child) visas were closed to new applications. The new system – the Student Route – is the first taste some migrants will have of the UK’s new points-based immigration system. It includes important changes for those wishing to study in …
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No Autumn Budget – What impact will this have on Capital Gains Tax?

No autumn Budget – a knock-on effect from the Coronavirus pandemic Typically, the Government would reflect on the state of the country’s financial situation and propose forthcoming tax changes in its Autumn Budget. This year is different in many ways and the effect the Coronavirus has on nearly every aspect of our life did not …
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The people building back better: the workforce in a purpose-driven economy

In the wake of the pandemic, many are questioning our social contract with business, in part due to it having highlighted insecurity and inequality in the labour market. However, the pandemic also presents the chance to re-build a more inclusive economy. Whilst some businesses are hitting the news for short treatment of their workforce, others …
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Serious incident reports and global events

The Charity Commission requires trustees to report all serious incidents. Suhan Rajkumar and Jennifer Chong remind charities when and how to make a report.
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Energy reporting requirements and what they may mean for charities

As a result of the EU’s focus on reducing the effects of climate change, the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme and the Streamlined Energy Carbon Reporting were brought into force in 2019. The UK’s climate response As a result of concerns relating to the global climate change crisis, Europe aims to become the world’s first climate-neutral …
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Pioneers Post: Louise Harman & Sung-Hyui Park on 5 ways impact investors can deal with COVID-19

Louise Harman, partner and co-head of the impact economy team and Sung-Hyui Park, senior associate in our impact economy team have recently written for Pioneers Post on ways that impact investors can deal with the dilemma caused by COVID-19. In the article, Louise and Sung-Hyui discuss how the coronavirus isn’t just affecting social businesses and charities, but how …
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