Alerts
Alerts archive 2009

Heyday challenge fails: UK default retirement age is legal .... for now

The High Court decided last Friday that it is lawful for employers to compulsorily retire employees at age 65. However, this may be a pyrrhic victory for the Government.

Response from Wragge & Co LLP to the Consultation on the Review of the Vertical Restraints Block Exemption Regulation and Guidelines

Wragge & Co has provided comments on the European Commission's consultation on the draft vertical restraints block exemption and draft guidelines on supply and distribution agreements.

A guide to health, safety and other prosecution risks - part 3. An inspector calls....HELP!

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), local authority or environment agency can turn up at your premises at any time. Following a report of an incident or accident, you can expect a regulator/authority visit – and the police if there has been a fatality.

Does the use of another trade mark as internet keyword infringe? The Advocate General doesn't think so

In an opinion which many may find quite political, Advocate General Poiares Maduro has delivered his views to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the Google AdWords references.

A new corporate landscape: company formation, administration and procedures from 1 October 2009

On 1 October 2009, the remaining provisions of the Companies Act 2006 come into force (except for a handful of provisions which have been the subject of second thoughts and further consultations).

A guide to health, safety and other prosecution risks - part 2. The Grim Reaper - points to consider when an accident has fatal consequences

Let's put this in perspective. Fatal accidents in the workplace are rare - 180 in Great Britain in 2008/9 and most arise in agriculture and construction. Because they are uncommon, and unexpected, organisations are often not sure how to respond.

Immigration - changes to the guidance under the Tier 2 category of the Points Based System

The Home Office has brought in a number of important changes to the guidance and policy for the Points Based System. Employers and employees should make themselves aware of the changes.

Product placement - UK ban set to be lifted

In a dramatic U-turn, the Government announced that it will consult again on the issue of product placement. Speaking at the Royal Television Society's Cambridge Convention, Ben Bradshaw gave new hope to advertisers and commercial broadcasters alike.

Workers' rights to holiday pay – what could this mean for you?

Holiday and sickness absence: two sides of the same coin - sick workers must be allowed to defer holiday leave

What do you do when a worker comes back from holiday and says they had flu the whole time, never left their bed and please can they have more holiday to make up for it?

A guide to health, safety and other prosecution risks - part 1. The blame game - personal liability of directors and officers

Corporate offences are usually strict liability. This means there is no need for the prosecutor to prove that the offence was committed deliberately or even negligently.

'False self-employment in construction' – Government consultation

The Government is consulting on proposals to make radical changes to taxation of self-employed workers in the construction industry, as they are concerned that their 'self-employment status' is not genuine.

Incorporate amended legislation

When legislation is referred to in an agreement, the parties need to ensure that this reference will automatically update as changes are made to the legislation. Contracts need to include specific wording to allow this to happen.

Property update - September 2009

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.