Insights & News

Adding Value with Planning Permission

Local Planning Authorities are required by the Government (Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004) to identify land within their administrative boundaries that will meet the needs for future housing and employment growth.

Employer’s attempt for a springboard injunction falls flat

On 4 January 2023, the Court of First Instance (“CFI”) refused to grant a springboard injunction against a former employee to protect the employer’s confidential information in the case DCL Communications Ltd v Lam Yim Chi Julia and Another [2023] HKCFI 98.

The long-awaited update to Hong Kong’s copyright regime - Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2022

On 17 February 2023, the Government published in the Gazette the Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 (Commencement) Notice.

Monitoring Employees’ Office Attendance in a Post Covid World: A Worldwide Issue – Key Data Privacy Issues

With different offices having been in or out of lockdown or experiencing varying degrees of restrictions, it has been near impossible for managers with direct reports in multiple locations to monitor their team’s compliance with whatever post-Covid return to the office policy a business might have (“RTO Policy”).

Employment law changes in April 2023

It’s that time of the year when employment law changes traditionally take effect, and this year there have been significant increases in several rates and limits. Here is our summary of the most important changes taking effect next month.

Is it time to adopt a fertility policy?

More and more employers are launching IVF and assisted conception policies amid calls for greater legal protection for employees undergoing fertility treatment. This article explores why fertility matters to employers, the current legal framework and the issues for employers when designing a fertility policy.

Retained EU law bill: our proposals for employment law reform

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill could have sweeping effects on UK employment law. With a hard deadline of 31 December 2023, quick decisions about reforms will be needed. We’ve drawn up a list of the EU-based employment laws we’d like to see changed.

The post-Brexit employment law shake-up: what’s needed, and what’s likely to happen?

As the government presses on with its bill to scrap or reform EU-derived employment laws, we’ve been finding out what businesses actually want. But how do these views compare to what’s planned?

Lewis Silkin has advised Mercia on its syndicated venture capital investment in CanSense

Press Release

Lewis Silkin has advised Mercia on its syndicated venture capital investment in Swansea-based CanSense.

How is the dollar’s dominance impacting the luxury real estate market?

It has been an interesting run for luxury property buyers over the course of the last 6 months or so. Quite remarkable how the market can flip from armageddon with lending rates at record highs, only for the world to be all rosy again with just the slightest adjustment back down.

Trade Mark Round Up - Red Bull vs. Monster Energy plus other UK and EU cases from May 2022 to the new year

The oft-quoted maxim that “your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business.” is a widely accepted truism, yet many businesses fail to take the basic steps to preserve that investment.

Holiday entitlement consultation: Lewis Silkin’s response

Press

We have submitted a response to the government’s consultation on calculating holiday entitlement for part-year and irregular hours workers. Whilst reform in this area would be very welcome, we note that when it comes to the detail, one size does not fit all.

Environmental Advertising

Inbrief

According to the UK’s Climate Change Committee, consumer behaviour must change in order for the UK to achieve its net zero targets. The good news is that sustainability is a growing factor in consumers purchasing decisions.

Influencer disclosures: The ASA raises the bar yet again

Among influencers, platforms, agencies and brands, there is increasing frustration and confusion with the ASA's approach to social media disclosures. The ASA's approach seems to harden and get more confusing every month that goes by.

Checklist for a successful crypto-provider registration application

Any business that intends to operate in the UK as a cryptoasset exchange provider or custodian wallet provider is required to register, but many are at risk of falling short at the first hurdle: the application for registration.

‘Landmark moment’ or ‘PR exercise?’ What football thinks of new independent regulator: John Shea comments for The Athletic

Press

The UK government has announced plans for an independent regulator of English football aimed to better test potential new owners, ensure clubs are run sustainably and stop sides from joining breakaway leagues. John Shea provides insight into what this means for the industry.

What Sponsors can learn from the 2022 World Cup beer fiasco: JJ Shaw writes for LawInSport

Press

Following the 2022 World Cup beer fiasco, JJ Shaw looks at the different methods that sponsoring entities can implement in order to protect their interests.

Home Office issues important update to right to work guidance for employers

On 28 February 2023 the Home Office published an updated version of its right to work guidance for employers. This includes important information on the limits of using Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) for compliant right to work checks, as well as other significant information.