We invite you to join us at our offices for the next of our highly-regarded HRLaw training sessions, this time on the topic of mental health. Following the recent controversy over UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak’s, comments concerning the country’s “sicknote culture”, managing employees with mental health issues is in the spotlight. For some staff, the prospect of discussing a mental health issue with their employer could be perceived as risky, due to fears of discrimination and even possibly dismissal.  Our HRLaw training session will explore the evolving law and guidance around ment ..read more

As is customary, our webinar will provide you with the latest updates on data protection law, invaluable insights, and practical strategies to navigate the ever-evolving data protection landscape. Key topics covered will include: Data protection reforms and recent cases: gain an understanding of the latest legislative changes and landmark court rulings that could impact your data protection practices Employee monitoring and use of biometrics in the workplace: explore the balance between employee privacy and legitimate monitoring needs, as well as the legal implications of using biometric data ..read more

On 23 April 2024, the FCA published its final guidance on the new anti-greenwashing rule, which will apply to all FCA authorised firms from 31 May 2024. This rule is part of the new Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) regime and underlines the increased regulatory focus on sustainable finance. All FCA authorised firms will need to take steps to implement, and to ensure ongoing compliance with, this new anti-greenwashing rule. This article provides an overview of the rule, its implications, and the necessary steps for compliance. 1. What is the new anti-greenwashing rule? The new anti ..read more

Andrew Hill joined ThoughtLeaders4 Competition to explore what needs to be done within the UK litigation sector to prepare for mass growth in cases, claimants, settlement values and funding in the coming 24 months. Speaking alongside Andrew was: Claire Van der Zant – Shieldplay Rosie Murray – Orchard Global Claire Ducksbury – Case Pilots The post ThoughtLeaders4 Competition webinar on growth in the UK litigation market appeared first on Fox Williams ..read more

The European Commission has introduced a proposal for a regulation aimed at bolstering passenger rights within the realm of multimodal journeys, marking a significant stride towards harmonising standards and enhancing consumer protection across the EU. The proposed regulation addresses the growing complexity of modern travel, where individuals often rely on a combination of flights, trains, buses, ferries, and other forms of transportation to reach their destinations. Such multimodal journeys, while offering flexibility and accessibility, also present unique challenges, including coordination ..read more

As many parts of retail remain under pressure (with well publicised failures over the last nine months including Wilko, Wiggle, The Body Shop, Matches and Ted Baker) the use of RTV (return to vendor) – is on the rise. But what does this mean for principals and agents? RTV agreement or no RTV agreement RTV covers the situation in which the supplier (say a brand) and the purchaser (usually a retailer) agree on the return goods supplied to the supplier. Sometimes supplier and stockist will have agreed at the outset that goods will be supplied on a RTV basis. In this situation usually the ret ..read more

It is increasingly common for bonuses to come with strings attached. Often there will be a contractual term requiring the employee to repay the bonus if, for example, they give notice of resignation or are fired for gross misconduct shortly after it is received.  For regulated and/or listed companies, there will be further requirements arising under law, for example the FCA/PRA Remuneration Codes for banks and insurers.       This is a complex area of law with many myths and misconceptions surrounding whether, and when, an employer can “claw back” a bonus from an ..read more

Introduction  On 19 March 2024, the FCA published its 2024/25 Business Plan detailing its key areas of focus for the coming year.  The FCA’s areas of focus for the year ahead takes into account the uncertain economic and geopolitical environment and the new regulatory framework.  They are also based on this year being the final year of the FCA’s 2022-2025 strategy which set out the following objectives: (1) reducing and preventing serious harm; (2) setting and testing standards; and (3) promoting competition and positive change.  We look at key elements of the Business Plan ..read more

Today marks the first day of UK FinTech Week 2024 and the stage is set for a momentous celebration of innovation, collaboration, and inclusion in the FinTech ecosystem. Fox Williams is one of the leading advisers in the FinTech space with a specific focus on helping early-stage start-ups and scale-ups to build and grow their business.  Our FinTech team is excited to participate in key events during UK FinTech Week such as the Innovate Finance Global Summit and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) FinTech Showcase. Our FinTech team will hold an office hours session on Thursday 18 Ap ..read more

We are seeing an increase in the number of transactions where, as a condition to providing credit facility, lenders are increasingly requesting for a guarantee to be provided by a subsidiary of the borrower.  Also called an upstream guarantee, we look in more detail at these guarantees and directors and boards should consider should a company look to enter into one. The scenario You are a director of Finsbury Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Broadgate Plc. You are informed that Broadgate Plc is preparing to enter into a new credit facility with Taylors Banking, and as part of this tr ..read more