Updates

ICO consults on the processing of criminal data

The law on criminal convictions data – a complex area Prior to the GDPR, personal data relating to criminal convictions in the UK was treated as ‘sensitive personal data’ and subject to the same regime as, for example, health data or data relating to ethnicity. That wasn’t always the case across the EU as a …
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New rules introduced for Schengen Visas

Earlier this month, the EU introduced new rules on short stay visit or ‘Schengen’ visas. The changes apply to travellers from all countries which need visas to travel to the EU. This does not include British citizens but will apply to many non-EEA nationals living in the UK who wish to visit any of the …
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Latest update: the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

As announced over the weekend the CJRS will continue until December. Key points to note are: Flexible furloughing is allowed, as well as full-time furloughing.The Job Support Scheme has been postponed until the CJRS ends.Neither the employer nor the employee needs to have previously used the CJRS, and the scheme is available in respect of …
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Merger – an old solution to a new problem?

At one end of the collaboration spectrum lies a full merger with another organisation. Not to be entered into lightly, this is nevertheless a well-trodden path. Could it be the solution for you?
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People Management: Lucy McLynn on what can an employer do if someone refuses to return to work?

Lucy McLynn, partner in our Employment team has spoken to People Management to give her opinion on how to approach the knotty issue of asking staff to come back to a workplace and the key employment law principles to consider. The coronavirus lockdown has created an abundance of unforeseen and unprecedented workplace conundrums for UK …
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Life cycle of your property

All charities and social enterprises have property requirements. Real estate expert Amanda Gray explains what to expect at each stage of your property’s life cycle.
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Solvency considerations for purposeful businesses

A coronavirus guide. If you’re a social enterprise, a B Corporation (B Corp) or another profit-with-purpose business and you have concerns about the solvency of your business through the Coronavirus crisis, we’ve prepared this guide. Lenders to such businesses may also find it useful. If you are a charity, please read our guide on Charity Insolvency …
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Coronavirus: New approaches to procurement and contracting from the Cabinet Office

The government has issued two Procurement Policy Notes in quick succession as part of their response to the ramifications of COVID-19. Whilst they are relevant primarily for those providing goods, works and services to government, there are perhaps lessons for businesses more generally in terms of engagement with their supply chains / value circles, particularly …
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COVID-19 and EU State Aid: The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

In this short article we look at the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and how this has been approved under the rules on EU State Aid. Whether you work for a commercial business, a social enterprise or a charity, we’d be happy to help you consider how State Aid and the wider rules on competition …
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Directors’ duties for B Corporations: A Coronavirus Guide

During the coronavirus crisis, the directors of certified B Corporation (“B Corp”) companies will want to be sure they are complying with their duties. This quick guide aims to help them to do so, however it is not a comprehensive guide to directors’ duties. Some of the issues considered below may apply to other forms …
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First GDPR fine from the ICO

So you might have missed it in the run up to Christmas but, on 20th December 2019, the ICO issued its first GDPR fine. Due to a number of serious breaches of the GDPR, the ICO fined a London pharmacy £275,000. This is a reduced sum from the original ICO’s intention to fine of £400,000. …
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Trust Registration Service: update for charities

In June 2019 we responded to HM Treasury’s consultation on the transposition of the Fifth Money Laundering Directive and, in particular, the proposed requirement for all charitable trusts to register with the Trust Registration Service (regardless of whether or not they incur a tax liability). In our response we expressed concerns about the implications of …
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