Updates

Behaviour matters – understanding the emotional drivers

Understanding the emotional drivers behind behaviours can help chief executives and trustees to lead effectively and make good decisions. Tesse Akpeki explains how best to put behaviour theory into practice within your organisation.
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COVID-19 – Financial implications for the education sector and potential support available

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in drastic changes to the education sector which have required phenomenal flexibility and dedication from those who work in it. Schools and colleges have been asked to close their doors (while still operating remotely where possible) except in respect of children who are vulnerable and the children of critical workers …
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BatesCast: contractual obligations, force majeure and frustration

With the ongoing pandemic causing unprecedented disruption for organisations across a range of sectors, force majeure clauses in contracts are suddenly front of mind for organisations grappling with their contractual obligations. In the first episode of BatesCast, Bates Wells’ newly-launched Updates, Mindy Jhittay, Senior Associate in our Dispute Resolution team, talks about the impact our current …
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Is furlough an option for organisations in receipt of public funds?

Despite the government guidance being updated on 9 April 2020, uncertainty as to whether or not organisations in receipt of public funding are entitled to reimbursement under the Coronavirus job retention scheme remains. Please see our latest update on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme here. Whilst it is clear that those solely in receipt of …
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How can companies preserve business and incentivise employees during these uncertain times?

Bates Wells outlines some issues for consideration for companies planning for the future of their business, as well as the different forms of incentives available for your people. A lot has been written about how to deal with human capital, especially around furloughing.  Below we look at some other considerations… EMI Options Can be used …
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School closures and Covid 19 – What are the data protection implications of engaging with children online?

Covid 19 has had a profound effect on how we interact with the people around us – in our personal lives as well as at work. Many face-to-face interactions have moved online and few groups have been more impacted by this change than schoolchildren. Schools and face-to-face learning have been replaced almost overnight by online …
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Changing your charity’s structure

We often advise clients seeking to change from an unincorporated structure into a corporate charity. Lucy Rhodes explains what’s involved.
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Government announces independent review of judicial review

On Friday (31 July 2020) the Government launched an independent review to examine whether there is a need to reform the judicial review process in the UK. The terms of reference of the review are available here. The review follows a pledge in the Conservative manifesto to ensure judicial review is “not abused to conduct …
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How can you reduce the carbon output of your building?

With buildings and the construction sector a significant contributor to carbon emissions, now is the time to look at reducing your building’s carbon footprint. Rebecca Rider provides a useful list of points to consider.
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Legacies and Coronavirus: key things for you to consider

With the forecast that the coronavirus outbreak will significantly weaken the UK economy, this will inevitably impact legacy income. We have put together a list of some key issues for you to consider. Property market freeze With the Government’s announcement on 27th March that property buyers and sellers should pause purchases until after the COVID-19 …
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Coronavirus and right to work

UK Visas & Immigration (‘UKVI’) has announced temporary adjustments to its requirements for how employers conduct right-to-work checks during the current COVID-19 environment. Remember that these checks need to be conducted before employing someone new and may also be required from time to time for existing employees with temporary visas due to expire. The first thing …
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Commercial property aspects of the Coronavirus Act 2020

As part of the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic new extensive laws have passed through Parliament providing wide-ranging measures to help deal with the impact of the virus.  The Coronavirus Act 2020 became law on 25th March. The Act seeks to provide security for tenants of commercial property who are struggling to pay their rent. Whilst …
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