Alerts
Alerts archive 2010

General election manifestos and supermarket regulation - a 'blow' for democracy?

Last week, the Labour Party, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats rolled out their manifestos ahead of the general election on 6 May 2010.

Each manifesto alludes to the GSCOP which came into force on 4 February 2010 through The Groceries (Supply Chain Practices) Market Investigation Order 2009.

The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act - what constitutes "substantial"?

Many contracts contain provisions which allow the supplier of goods or services to charge interest if they are not paid in time - a right which in the current economic climate might be getting more attention than usual.

The limits of fairness in public law - the Sharon Shoesmith case

Sharon Shoesmith was Director of Children and Young People's Services (the DCS) for Haringey Borough Council during the short life of Peter Connelly (Baby P). The judgement concerning her termination of employment contains important legal analysis of the concept of "fairness".

Settlement and litigation costs: when refusing to talk doesn't pay

A successful party which fails to enter into settlement negotiations following an offer to settle may be deprived of a substantial proportion of its costs.

Liability of issuers in connection with published information – an extension of the regime

Issuers of securities admitted to trading on regulated markets are liable for fraudulent misstatements in periodic disclosures to the market. They are also liable for any dishonest concealment of a material fact in such publications.

Banking update: report and review on recent cases and issues

An order for sale and Convention considerations, undue influence, implied withdrawal of a Part 36 offer and reasonableness of after the event insurance premiums.

Before you charge in - part 4. Limitation - is the clock ticking?

The question of limitation is relevant to all legal disputes. If the rules on limitation are not followed, a party who has suffered a wrong at the hands of another may be time-barred from seeking a remedy.

Fund management fees and carried interest

It has always been important when structuring a fund to ensure that the fund manager is adequately incentivised to obtain the best returns for investors.

Homelessness decisions: minded to find or not?

Local housing authorities face considerable difficulties when deciding whether to send a "minded to find" letter pursuant to regulation 8(2) of the Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Review Procedures) Regulations 1999/71.

Theseus, George Washington's axe and patents for a caged bottle - could you make it up?

Floyd J decision in Schütz (UK) Ltd v Werit UK Ltd & Another.

Agency workers and pensions: there's no escaping 2012 Workplace Pension Reform!

The Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (the Regulations) are due to come into force in October 2011. This is the Government's way of achieving "flexisecurity" for agency workers.

Goodbye Tolent clause, hello Scheme

Since 2000, clauses requiring the referring party in an adjudication to pay all the legal and expert costs of both parties, plus the costs of the adjudicator, have been held not to offend the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (HGCRA).

Property Update - April 2010

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.

Civil Service Compensation Scheme - changes introduced on 1 April 2010

The Civil Service Compensation Scheme (CSCS) is a statutory scheme that provides compensation to certain civil servants who leave office through compulsory or voluntary redundancy.

On the hook: how contractors may be liable for defects up to 15 years from completion of the works

How long can a contractor be on the hook for defective works under a building contract?

Energy Act receives Royal Assent

The Government has met its ambitious legislative timetable, as one of the final actions taken by the current Parliament during the "wash-up" period was to pass the Energy Bill, which received Royal Assent on 8 April 2010.

Purdah - Changes to general election guidance

The announcement of the general election on 6th April 2010 marked the start of the purdah period and the publication of the new Cabinet Office General Election 2010 Guidance.

Changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the PBS - effective as of 6 April 2010

The Bribery Bill

Major changes to UK law governing bribery are afoot. A draft bill is expected to receive Royal Assent before the next general election, with general offences coming into force in June 2010.