Social Enterprise and the Climate Emergency

Bates Wells and SEUK are partnering to host a series of ‘digital breakfast’ roundtable events aimed at leaders of social enterprises. The first event focused on the Climate Emergency and it was filled with fascinating and inspirational insights from some of the social enterprises who are leading the fight against climate change. Click below to …
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Diversity in action: A guide for charities – creating change

The work of our client, Blueprint for All (formerly the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust) is an example of how diversity in action can change lives. Blueprint for All believes in a future where talent is respected and nurtured, where organisations recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and where communities can thrive. Sonia Watson OBE, …
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COVID-19 right to rent checks temporary measures extended to 5 April 2022

Due to COVID-19, landlords have been benefitting from the temporary measures to the right to rent checks by allowing the checks to be carried out virtually. These temporary measures were extended to the 31 August 2021 and recently, the UK government have announced a further extension to the 5 April 2022. Key points: How to …
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Too little, too late – or a lifeline for live events organisers?

Do you organise live events? Then, you might be interested in the new measures introduced by the government this month. The disruption and uncertainty caused by Covid-19 and the associated restrictions have had a significant and damaging effect on thousands of “in person” events, from festivals to charity fundraising events to AGMs and conferences. But …
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Bates Wells contributes to Policy & Practice for Purposeful Business, an ambitious report by the British Academy

The British Academy Future of the Corporation programme builds on four years of research and insight from leading thinkers to answer big questions on the role of business in society. These new findings, described by the Financial Times as “one of the world’s most ambitious efforts to reform capitalism for the 21st century”, conclude four …
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The Covid inquiry: what we know so far, and how it could impact your organisation

In this guide, we tackle some of the key questions you may have about how the inquiry will work and how you can be involved. As the UK comes to terms with the impact of the pandemic, there is a substantial and well justified public concern about key strategic decisions that were made throughout the …
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Bates Wells rewrites fellow B Corp Planit IE’s articles of association and employment contracts to better reflect its values

Planit IE is a design practice that pioneers sustainability and puts the long-term health of the environment and communities it works with at the heart of everything it does. Earlier this year, we rewrote their articles of association and employment contracts to better reflect their B Corp values. Our first step was to gain a …
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The cost of getting flexible working requests wrong

A tribunal has awarded almost £185,000 in damages after a central London estate agent refused to grant a flexible working request. In this update, we cover how the tribunal came to a decision and highlight why this is significant for employers. The recent case of Thompson v Scancrown Ltd, trading as Manors, is a salutary …
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Are you in the adult social care sector? Have your say on the impact of the end of free movement.

Significant challenges within the care sector have become particularly prominent in the last few weeks, with an increase in staff shortages due to the end of free movement and a spotlight placed on funding. In response to the government, The Migration Advisory Committee (‘MAC’) is requesting views and evidence from anyone with relevant knowledge, expertise …
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A review of our litigation team’s positive impact

As we reflect on our work over the last year, we are proud of the extensive impact our litigation team has made to the lives of so many people. Download the report below to read about some of their most impactful work from Autumn 2020 to Summer 2021.
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Collection of vaccination status by employers

Employers may seek to be aware of the vaccination status of staff to limit the spread of Covid-19. However, collecting this information must be done carefully. The Covid-19 vaccine rollout in the UK continues, with all adults having now been offered a vaccination and over 45 million (almost 90% of the adult population) having received …
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EU Settlement Scheme: What’s next for employers and individuals?

We explain the next steps for employers and individuals following the deadline. The EU Settlement Scheme (‘EUSS’) officially closed for applications on 30 June 2021. From 1 July 2021, all EU, EEA and Swiss nationals will need to have immigration status in the UK to live and work. Click here to skip to ‘What can …
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