Alerts
Alerts archive 2008

Public involvement and consultation about health services

On 14 September 2008, the Secretary of State for Health made the National Health Service (Directions by Strategic Health Authorities to Primary Care Trusts Regarding Arrangements for Involvement) Regulations 2008 (the Regulations).

Adjudication: Refusing to pay due to the financial circumstances of the receiving party

In the current economic climate, a major concern for those in the construction industry is the risk of being dragged into adjudication proceedings by companies in financial difficulties.

Personal data security breach checklist

Is all publicity good publicity? Organisations that have come under the media spotlight for losing personal data might not agree.

Banking Update: report and review on cases

Creditors appointing their preferred administrators; the new rules on service of proceedings; some tell tale signs of mortgage fraud; and submitting a claim form out of time in a Company Voluntary Arrangement.

Heyday: why you're wrong to be relieved

The challenge to a state retirement age of 65 had fallen at the first hurdle; most of the coverage reported there was a long way to go but it was very much round one to the Government.

Not just a load of hot air

The regulations which introduced the requirement to obtain Energy Performance Certificates and Display Energy Certificates also impose obligations to inspect certain air-conditioning systems by 4 January 2009.

Listen up! - the EPO is required to hear witness evidence on prior use

An interesting development has just hit the European Patent Office (EPO). It concerns the situations in which the EPO will now hear oral witness evidence concerning an alleged prior use.

Public involvement and consultation about health services

Terminate to accumulate?

In the current climate, landlords need to know what steps they can take if they suspect that their tenant is, or may be about to become, insolvent.

Energy Performance Certificates - new regulations published

New regulations have been published which amend the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007.  The new regulations extend the transitional period for EPCs and make various other changes.

Redundancy, discrimination and industrial meltdown

It's tough out there. Redundancies are at the forefront of many employers' minds. Unfortunately tribunal decisions reveal that redundancy policies might well break age discrimination laws.

Back to school - an update on the latest pensions developments

The last few months have seen a number of developments in the pensions arena, so we have decided to outline some of the key changes in one document for your return from the summer break: Back to school!

Private charges consultation closes

Monitor's consultation on the application of the private charges cap to NHS foundation trusts (FTs) closed at the beginning of this week.

Lucasfilm v Ainsworth - a new hope for copyright clarity?

In a case concerning the costumes of Star Wars characters, the High Court has provided guidance on what articles can amount to "works of artistic craftsmanship" and/or "sculptures".

Arbitration appeals - (how to avoid) washing your dirty laundry in public

One of the long established advantages of arbitration over the use of courts to decide disputes is that the arbitration process is private and the eventual award is confidential to the parties involved.

Employment law in the EU - What you need to know

Employment law keeps, mostly, within national borders: people do not. Human Resource managers and in-house lawyers need to be aware of developments not just in the UK but in every country in which their people operate.

Property update - September 2008

Wragge & Co's real estate experts bring you the latest property law issues. Read their comment on these issues and take note of any action points that will help you and your organisation.

Financial assistance from 1 October 2008

Few bankers and professions involved in leveraged finance, management buy-outs or management buy-ins will lament the passing of the prohibition on private companies giving financial assistance for the purchase of their holding company's shares.

More Companies Act 2006 provisions coming into force

 On 1 October 2008, a further series of changes to company law will come into force as a result of the implementation of parts of the Companies Act 2006.

Sentencing alert - time to sit up and take note

Marks, set, ambush - associating your brand with the Olympics

Thanks to Team GB's Beijing medal bonanza and the official handover to London as the next host city, the Olympic Games has dominated the news over the last few weeks.