Alerts
Alerts archive 2008

Offshore electricity - 'Round 3' documentation

The Government is targeting 14 GW of offshore wind by 2020. An important step in achieving this target will be the speedy completion of the Crown Estate's third round of offshore windfarm leasing (Round 3).

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Governance Compliance Statements - deadline of 1 November 2008 looms

By 1 November 2008, those administering authorities who have not already done so must prepare and publish their governance compliance statement.

Germany: Broad-based database protection

Following a preliminary reference from the German courts, the European Court of Justice has given further guidance relating to the Database Directive.

A company name that is identical or too similar to your brand name? The pro and cons of the Company Names Tribunal

What can you do if you find out a third party has registered a UK company with a name that is identical or similar to your brand name?

Selection for Redundancy - Back to the '70s?

It's not just inflation and banking crises that are making a comeback. Selection for redundancy on the basis of length of service – 'last in, first out' or 'LIFO' - might still be alive and well, albeit in a rather diluted form.

Pensions Act 2008 - How will this affect you?

The government is expected to pass the Pensions Bill 2008 (the "Bill") into law in November to become the Pensions Act 2008. This will set in motion changes that will affect over 10 million employees in the UK.

Staff transfers from the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) - new Government Actuary Department (GAD) note for Broadly Comparable Schemes

GAD have issued a note, dated 6 October 2008, clarifying the definition of minimum pension age in the LGPS.

Escaping the abyss: How the court decides costs and the importance of making and accepting reasonable offers of settlement

A recent judgment has clarified that "winner takes all" no longer applies to recovery of costs in litigation. The formula to be used by trial judges in deciding the most appropriate costs order is now much more complicated.

Staff transfers from the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) - results of the Admitted Body Status consultation

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has now published the results of the consultation commissioned in January 2008 regarding the Admitted Body Status (ABS) provisions in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Banking Update: report and review on recent cases

Expedited trials, failure to register at HPI and a claim for conversion, possession and the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights, confidentiality of Tomlin orders and a "u-turn" on the proposed general pre action protocol;

The Wragge & Co balloon debate

And who says dispute resolution can't be fun? Watch the video to find out who was top dog!

Insolvent lenders and market disruption

We are in uncharted waters. Until very recently, few people have ever experienced or even thought about their bank going bust. Most loan documentation focuses on borrower rather than lender default.

Pensions Regulator consults on updated draft TKU code and guidance

The Pensions Regulator has issued for consultation updated draft versions of its code of practice and scope guidance on trustee knowledge and understanding (TKU).

Employment law update October 2008

This month sees the return of our bi-monthly employment law alerts.

Olympics update - a round-up of all the latest news

Wragge & Co's latest round-up of Olympic news has a strong focus on the energy resources which will be powering the Games.

OFT refers Patientline/Premier merger to Competition Commission

In July 2008, Hospedia Limited announced plans for "an exciting overhaul of the UK's bedside hospital entertainment and telephony industry" following its rescue of Patientline UK Limited from administration.

Property Update - October 2008

Offshore - Ofgem update on tender process

Ofgem has issued a further consultation document regarding the competitive tender process by which offshore transmission owners (OFTOs) will be appointed

Pensions Regulator announces conflicts of interest guidance

The Pensions Regulator has finalised its conflicts of interest guidance for schemes other than contract-based arrangements.

Court of Appeal still considers EPO case law on computer programs exclusion to be inconsistent

Ofgem probe: no evidence of cartel

Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, has announced its findings after a seven-month investigation into the energy supply markets.

Maternity leave and non-cash benefits - what's changed?

The rules covering non-cash benefits during maternity leave have changed for women who have an expected week of childbirth (EWC) commencing on or after 5 October 2008.

Charitable trade mark use - is it "genuine"?

Can charities and other non-profit making organisations safely keep hold of their registered trade marks when they don't use them on any goods they sell or in respect of any services they provide for payment? Are such marks at risk of being revoked?