Updates

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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BatesCast – what next for charity fundraising?

Charity fundraisers around the country are urgently dealing with unprecedented challenges. In the face of extreme financial pressure on charities, what is happening to fundraising, and how can practices be adapted? In this Updates, we speak to Lawrie Simanowitz, a partner in Bates Wells’ Charity and Social Enterprise team, along with special guest Dan Fluskey. …
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Covid-19: The return to the workplace – What are the data privacy implications for employers?

Now that the UK Government has begun the process of lifting certain lockdown restrictions (at least in England), employers are planning the return of employees to the workplace. Whether that be offices, factory floors, retail or catering premises, all employers will need to carefully consider the requirement to provide a safe working environment. We have …
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Liverpool FC score an own goal – the world of trade marks

European football champions Liverpool FC came a cropper in a recent trade marks case – in quite an instructive way. Mathew Healey explores the world of trade marking names.
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New government guidance on coronavirus and contracts – how to act responsibly and fairly

The Cabinet Office issued new practical guidance on 7th May 2020 on responsible contractual behaviour in the performance and enforcement of contracts impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. The guidance is intended to apply to all current contracts which are materially impacted by COVID-19. Parties are encouraged to be reasonable, proportionate and co-operative to ensure just …
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Department of Education consults on rationalising post-16 qualifications that compete with T Levels by 2023

According to its recently published consultation paper, the Department of Education (“DfE”) considers that with “more than 12,000 different qualifications funded in England at level 3 and below”. The quality of education and skills provided across the piece do not provide the world class technical education that the DfE is aiming for. The proposal is …
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