Resources

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Law Society Gazette: Mindy Jhittay on how the ‘New normal’ shines light on need for change

Mindy Jhittay, senior associate in our dispute resolution team, has recently written an article for the Law Society Gazette. In the article, Mindy explores our ‘new normal’ and how we might make a sustainable shift from the ‘old normal’ towards a better normal. She highlights how the coronavirus has shined a light on the need for a …
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Bates Wells part of group calling on Government to prioritise green recovery as PM prepares to lead the UK into a new normal

Bates Wells is one of 60 other businesses, environmental organisations and youth leaders urging the government to put nature and climate at the heart of decisions for the recovery effort, for healthy communities and a resilient economy, in an open letter addressed to the Prime Minister. Along with the other signatories, we are calling on …
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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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Constitutional and Human Rights reforms remain on the agenda

The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has recently launched a survey to gauge people’s views on what topics and issues the new Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission should focus on. This is a chance for the public to highlight the elements of the UK political system that were most in need of reform. The …
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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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Bates Wells hosts Danny Kruger MP to discuss Levelling Up Our Communities report recommendations

Danny Kruger MP joined Bates Wells partner Luke Fletcher to discuss his recent report, Levelling up our communities: proposals for a new social covenant, as well as discussing the charity and political landscape. The recently-launched report sets out a vision for a more local, more human, less bureaucratic, less centralised society in which people are …
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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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