Insights & News

Enforceability of an indemnification provision under a broker agreement: is it a penalty?

A recent case in the Hong Kong Court of First Instance has seen the court applying the Court of Appeal’s penalty clause test to an indemnification provision under a broker agreement.

What do we do about our international data transfers following the IDPC’s 22 May 2023 Meta decision?

Further to the news of the long awaited Irish Data Protection Commission’s (“IDPC”) final decision in the Meta international data transfers inquiry, we make short comment below about what businesses (both controller and processor, and everything in between) might, and indeed can, consider doing in response.

Lewis Silkin publishes social mobility pay gap report

Press Release

We have published a social mobility pay gap report for the first time, as part of our efforts to set the benchmark for transparency, accountability and action on social mobility within the legal industry.

A seat in Immigration

The team advises on all aspects of UK immigration law, with a focus on business immigration, and works with an exciting and wide range of clients and sectors, including tech, sport, professional services, and various creative industries. It’s a great option for a Trainee seat due to the high degree of responsibility, ownership of work, and client contact that Trainees experience in this seat.

Employees had contractual rights to check-off arrangements but their union could not enforce them, rules Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal has confirmed that government employees had contractual rights to check-off arrangements. The employees could still enforce those rights despite not actively protesting about the withdrawal of check-off for over five years. Their trade union, however, had no right to enforce check-off as a third party.

Retail under attack! Why cybersecurity is important to the sector

Press

Ali Vaziri writes for Retail News to outline why cyber security is vital for the retail sector. Retailers are a rich source of sensitive data, tempting to cyber criminals and it is no surprise that there have been many high-profile cyber attacks affecting retailers so far in 2023. In this article, Ali discusses protecting your reputation and relationships, credential stuffing and how to detect security incidents.

World Environment Day 2023: Our look at employer initiatives relating to the environment

It is World Environment Day on 5 June 2023, and the focus this year is on solutions to plastic pollution, under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. Many employers will be aware of the campaign and may be looking at their own internal green initiatives.

Wendy Saunders writes for City A.M. on trading in unbacked crypto assets

Press

Wendy Saunders of Lewis Silkin examines the recent Treasury Committee report on regulating digital assets and explores whether trading in unbacked crypto assets presents a regulatory dichotomy.

New ICO guidance on SARs for employers – a useful reminder on how to comply

From April 2022 to March 2023, 15,848 complaints related to the right of subject access were reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Elanor McCombe, Policy Group Manager at the ICO, singles out employers as some of the main culprits – either misunderstanding the nature of subject access requests (SAR), or underestimating their importance.

Sports Q&A: How is AI being utilised in Sport?

The use of data in sport is a well-established practice: sports teams, institutions, and governing bodies have a long history of leveraging data science to enhance the performance of athletes and players, with the goal of achieving a competitive advantage and improving the quality of the game.

Lewis Silkin has advised NME Networks on the sale of Uncut magazine to Kelsey Media

Deal

The deal, which includes the brand’s print publications and social and digital assets, completed earlier today. All Uncut’s staff also transferred with the sale.

Lewis Silkin has advised Equipmake Holdings on a technology licensing deal with Sona Comstar

Press Release

Lewis Silkin has advised Equipmake Holdings, the UK-based engineering specialist pioneering the development and production of electrification products across automotive and aerospace industries, on a licensing deal with Sona Comstar, a global automotive systems and components manufacturer, headquartered in India.

A Seat in Digital, Commerce & Creative (DCC)

Trainee Stories

The best part about the seat is you will be able to work on matters that you are personally passionate about – from music, fashion, sports and advertising and marketing. One of our Trainees was even able to attend the British Fashion Awards! There really is something for everyone in a seat in DCC.

M&A deal practice in Spain and the UK – key differences to bear in mind

Whilst mid-market transaction volumes involving UK and Spanish parties are lower than activity between the UK and France or Germany (for example), the UK is an important market for Spanish acquirers (and vice versa) especially now that the post-Brexit landscape has become clearer.

Supinder Singh Sian comments for HR Magazine on the low-skilled vacancy gap

Press

Supinder Singh Sian has commented in an article for HR Magazine discussing the impact of post-Brexit restrictions on hiring migrant workers.

Lewis Silkin’s Northern expansion continues with partner hire in Manchester

Press Release

Lewis Silkin has today announced the first Digital, Commerce and Creative partner in its Manchester team.

With an ageing national workforce how can employers meet the challenge of ill health amongst older workers?

A growing number of older people at work could mean more employees experiencing health issues and increased focus on health-related benefits as part of the reward package. We explore the employment law considerations and share five practical tips.