May 2025

Supreme Court clarifies developer and designer responsibilities under Building Safety Act

Posted on 28 May 202529 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

URS Corporation Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd [2025] UKSC 21

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has provided vital clarification on the responsibilities of developers and construction professionals when it comes to building safety under the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA).

The background: safety obligations in a post-Grenfell world

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSA was introduced to tighten regulations—particularly for high-rise developments. One key change was extending the timeframe for bringing claims under the Defective Premises Act 1972 (DPA).

This case involved BDW Trading Ltd (a major developer) and URS Corporation Ltd (their structural engineering consultant). BDW had discovered serious defects in two high-rise developments—both already sold to homeowners—and carried out remedial works before the enactment of the BSA and without any claim having been brought by homeowners. BDW then sought to recover those costs from URS, raising questions about whether it was legally entitled to do so.

The legal questions

The Court considered four central issues:

Could BDW recover the cost of repairs it had “voluntarily” undertaken?
Did the BSA extend the time limit for BDW’s claims?
Was URS liable to BDW under the DPA even though BDW was a developer, not a homeowner?
Could BDW seek a contribution from URS, even without any direct claim from homeowners?

What the Supreme Court decided

“Voluntary” repairs may still be recoverable

URS claimed BDW’s actions were voluntary and fell outside their duty of care. The Court disagreed. It ruled that developers can recover the cost of safety-critical repairs even if no formal claim has yet been brought by residents. The key issue is whether the response was reasonable in the circumstances—a fact-specific question to be tested at trial.

The Building Safety Act applies broadly

The Court confirmed that section 135 of the BSA doesn’t just extend limitation periods for DPA claims. It also affects claims linked to the DPA—such as negligence and contribution claims. This interpretation reinforces the BSA’s aim of improving accountability across the sector.

Developers are owed a duty under the DPA

URS argued they owed no duty to BDW under the DPA because BDW wasn’t a homeowner. The Court rejected this. It said the duty is owed to homeowners who have acquired an interest in the dwellings and also to whoever commissions the work—layperson or developer alike.

Contribution claims don’t require prior legal action from homeowners

BDW was entitled to bring a claim for contribution even though no homeowner had brought a formal claim. The Court clarified that such claims arise when both parties are liable to the damage which has been suffered by a homeowner and the party seeking contribution has agreed to make compensation to the homeowner—even through “payment in kind”, like repairs.

What this means for the industry

This decision strengthens the legal footing for developers acting proactively to resolve safety issues. It sends a clear message: if you’ve contributed to building defects, you can be held accountable—regardless of whether formal claims have been brought by homeowners.

It also provides:

Greater clarity on how long claimants have to bring proceedings.
Confirmation that developers can seek redress from design professionals and contractors under the DPA.
Assurance that early, reasonable intervention by developers won’t bar them from recovering costs.

How we can help

At Tees, our construction law specialists and Commercial Dispute Resolution and Litigation team are on hand to help you navigate your obligations under the Building Safety Act and the Defective Premises Act. If you’re a developer, contractor or consultant facing questions about building safety or legacy liabilities, we’re ready to support you. Team Members include: Jason Torrance, Duncan Ho, Jessica Barker, Stefania Cuffaro and Daniel Muranyi

Get in touch for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about how the ruling might affect your projects or responsibilities.

ESG and corporate governance: A legal duty and a business advantage

Posted on 21 May 202522 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

When I first joined Tees, I was pleased to learn what ESG meant, not just as a concept, but what it truly meant to embed environmental, social and governance values throughout our ecosystem. Fast forward to today, I am proud to be a part of a firm that has been shortlisted as “Responsible Employer of the Year” by the UK Property Forum Eastern Echo Awards 2025. But it’s not just about awards, many of us still ask why is ESG so important? What are the genuine legal obligations? And how does it impact corporate growth?

What does ESG mean in a business context?

ESG is about how a company manages risks and opportunities related to environmental, social and governance factors. This can include examples like:

Environmental: Carbon emissions, climate impact, waste reduction, energy efficiency.
Social: Employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, human rights.
Governance: Board accountability, executive pay, ethics and anti-corruption

It’s no secret that for many businesses, ESG began its journey as a reputational tool, for example, something that looked good in annual reports and presentation decks. But today ESG is no longer just “the right thing to do”, it’s a critical part of a company’s corporate governance.

ESG is a legal duty

Directors owe duties to act in the best interests of the company and today there is a growing understanding that “best interests” comprises long-term value which includes ESG related issues like environmental impact, workforce practices, supply chain ethics and good corporate governance.

The Companies Act 2006 specifically states under Section 172 that directors must act in a way they consider in “good faith” to “promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole,” and have regard to factors such as:

The need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment; and
the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct.

These are all written in law and form a director’s statutory duties – which means that ESG considerations when they fall within these areas are not optional. They are a legal requirement! Boards that ignore these factors, particularly in today’s world of growing climate, social, and ethical risks could be seen as breaching their statutory duties.

ESG is about action

For lots of businesses I talk to today it remains clear that ESG is no longer just about values or vision statements it’s about taking actual action and implementing policies. A huge legal risk currently in the market is “Greenwashing”. Greenwashing is making inflated or misleading claims about a company’s environmental practices, so for example, relying on historic practices or initiatives to portray a business as more environmentally responsible than it really is. If a company says it’s sustainable, carbon neutral, or ethical, it needs to be able to back it up with real evidence. The time of saying the right things without doing the right things is over.

Various regulators across the UK, in response to rising concerns about corporate greenwashing are tightening their own standards. Smaller and medium sized businesses are expected to adhere to requirements from regulators, industry bodies, and government guidance. Whilst larger limited companies, PLC’s and financial institutions will be required to adhere to the Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SDS) which sets the UK’s ESG reporting standard- this is expected to be finalised this summer.

To sum up, ESG now demands real action and regulators expect proof!

So how does ESG contribute to business growth?

ESG plays a powerful role in shaping how businesses grow, adapt and connect with the people who matter most.

From a personal perspective, ESG aligns with what people care about. I see it first hand amongst my colleagues, friends, and family that people want to work for organisations that they can be proud of, that are inclusive and contribute positively to the world. I know I certainly do! In turn, this can attract top talent and retain staff levels.

Likewise, clients, employers and partners are paying attention to what businesses stand for and trust builds brand loyalty. Those companies caught involved in unethical practices risk reputational damage.

Investors are now also demanding ESG responsibility, failing to meet certain expectations can significantly limit financial gain.

Additionally, risk management is huge, companies with strong ESG policies are able to manage and mitigate risk better – whether it is supply chain issues or governance failures. ESG also drives innovation as it can encourage businesses to find smarter and more sustainable ways to operate.

Finally

Hopefully, it’s clear that ESG is not just about doing good—it’s about doing business well. It is both a legal obligation, a recipe for growth and businesses cannot simply treat ESG as a side issue or branding tool – it must be embedded into the heart of corporate governance and decision-making.

Tees advises on sale of BDM Agencies to Plastic Products Limited

Posted on 14 May 202515 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees is pleased to have advised Brian and Rachel Muir on the successful sale of BDM Agencies Limited (BDM) to Plastic Products Limited (PPL), a leading distributor and supplier of thermoplastic reels and sheets.

Founded in 2012, BDM supports overseas companies in promoting and selling their products across the UK and Ireland. The business has also played a key role in sourcing materials for the Source and Retail card markets, as well as supplying polycarbonate and acrylic for ID card projects and PPE partitioning.

After more than a decade of building BDM, Brian and Rachel decided it was the right time to realise the value of their hard work. They sold their shares to PPL, a long-standing business partner of BDM. This acquisition strengthens PPL’s service offering to its clients, expanding its reach and capabilities.

Baljeet Kaur (Partner) led the transaction. Charlie Neal (Solicitor) provided guidance on the disclosure process, and Tees’ Employment team advised on employment matters.

Brian Muir, former Director of BDM, commented: “Rachel and I would like to thank Baljeet Kaur and Charlie Neal for their hard work and professionalism. They ensured we achieved all our goals within the timeline we set.”

Baljeet Kaur, Partner in Tees’ Corporate & Commercial team, added: “Congratulations to Brian and Rachel on the sale of BDM. It was a pleasure to guide them through the process, and we wish them all the best for the future.”

Tees launches new agricultural scholarship with Anglia Ruskin University

Posted on 12 May 202519 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees, a leading law firm with over a century of experience supporting agricultural and landed estate clients, is proud to announce the launch of the Tees Agricultural Award in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Writtle. This exciting new initiative aims to provide financial support to promising agriculture students across the East of England.

Recognising the importance of nurturing future leaders in agriculture, Tees will fund two annual prizes over the next three years. The top academic performer will receive £2,000, while the runner-up will be awarded £1,000.

The awards will be based on the second-year results of students studying agriculture degree courses at ARU Writtle. The first awards are expected to be presented in September 2025.

Supporting Future Leaders in Agriculture
Located near Chelmsford, ARU Writtle is a premier centre for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in animal, environmental, agricultural, and horticultural studies. Established in 1893, its 150-hectare campus includes a working farm with livestock, arable crops, and conservation areas, providing hands-on experience for students.

Students from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk are eligible for the scholarships.

A Commitment to Agricultural Excellence

Tees is passionate about celebrating the achievements of these dedicated students. With deep roots in the rural community, Tees’ agricultural advisers possess extensive knowledge of the delicate balance between business, land, and family. Supported by a team of over 30 lawyers, including 10 partners specialising in agriculture, Tees delivers expert advice in a rapidly evolving legal and political landscape.

Letty Glaister, Partner and Head of the Agriculture Team, said:
“Building strong relationships is at the heart of what we do. We’re delighted to partner with ARU Writtle to reward students for their hard work and dedication to agricultural studies.”

Caroline Flanagan, Head of the School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Sciences at ARU Writtle, added:
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Tees. These annual prizes are a fantastic way to recognise our students’ commitment and achievements in agriculture.”

This announcement coincides with Tees’ continued expansion in Hertfordshire, marked by the opening of its North Herts office at Hyde Hall, Buntingford, in April 2025. This location is situated next to the NFU Mutual Hertfordshire office, which further strengthens Tees’ commitment to the agricultural community. Award recipients will be invited to this new office to receive their prizes.

Tees extends its best wishes to all ARU agriculture students as they pursue their studies and contribute to the future of British agriculture.

Founder praises Tees following successful Daycare Nursery sale

Posted on 12 May 202513 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Tees recently advised the sole shareholder and founder of Little Spring Wonders Daycare Nursery (LSW) on the sale of her shares to R & C Becko Limited.

Located in Great Baddow, LSW was founded in 2011 and has cultivated an environment in which children can learn, develop and play. LSW holds outstanding provider accreditation with Ofsted and the staff have been praised by parents for their “inclusive, robust and effective approach” towards the children’s learning and development.

The sale will allow LSW to go from strength to strength and maintain the high standards that the business has achieved. The Buyers have extensive experience of providing early years education and understand the standards and requirements of LSW.

Corporate Partner Baljeet Kaur drove the transaction forward and ensured that the founder was protected and able to step back from the business that she had nurtured. Speaking about the sale, Baljeet described how “it has been a pleasure to work with the founder and help her to leave her business so that she can enjoy a well-earned retirement.”

Following the sale, the founder, Toni Stanford, expressed her thanks to the Tees team: “I truly cannot thank Baljeet enough for her help, assistance, advice and knowledge to make sure the transaction was completed in the best interests of both parties. I would definitely recommend her to anyone else looking to buy or sell a business.”

National Security and Investment: What is the NSI Act?

Posted on 8 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

The National Security and Investment Act 2021 (‘NSI Act’) introduced a regulatory framework that allows the UK Government to scrutinise and approve certain acquisitions in 17 sensitive areas of the economy that could pose a risk to the UK’s national security. These areas include, but are not limited to, advanced robotics, defence, energy, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence (AI).

For certain acquisitions within these sectors, mandatory notification to the Government is required and these types of transactions are referred to as ‘notifiable acquisitions’. Acquisitions completed before 12 November 2020 do not fall within the NSI Act’s remit and are therefore non-notifiable.

Which entities and assets are covered by NSI Act?

Entities include:

companies;
limited liability partnerships (LLPs);
any other corporate bodies;
general and limited partnerships;
unincorporated associations; and
trusts.

Assets include:

land;
tangible moveable property;
intellectual property (e.g. ideas, information or techniques with economic value).

Which areas are covered under NSI Act?

Certain acquisitions in the following sensitive areas of the economy may require the Government’s approval:

advanced materials;
advanced robotics;
AI;
civil nuclear materials;
communications;
computing hardware;
critical suppliers to the Government;
cryptographic authentication;
data infrastructure;
defence;
energy;
military and dual-use;
quantum technologies;
satellite and space technologies;
suppliers to the emergency services;
synthetic biology; and
transport.

What types of acquisitions are covered under NSI Act?

An acquisition is notifiable if it involves an entity or assets in one of the sensitive areas (‘Qualifying Entities’ and ‘Qualifying Assets’) and meets certain thresholds set by the Government.

In acquiring control of a Qualifying Entity, a transaction will be notifiable if the buyer:

increases its shareholding OR voting rights from:
- 25% or less to more than 25%,
- 50% or less to more than 50%,
- less than 75% to 75% or more, or
the buyer acquires voting rights to secure or prevent the passage of any class of resolution governing the entity’s affairs; or
the acquirer being able to exercise material influence over the qualifying entity’s policy.

In acquiring control of a Qualifying Asset, a transaction will be notifiable if the buyer:

is able to use the Qualifying Asset to a greater extent than prior to the transaction; or
becomes able to direct or control how the Qualifying Asset is used or increases its ability to control the Qualifying Asset.

Does the NSI Act apply to overseas acquisitions?

Yes, the NSI Act applies not only to UK registered entities and UK based assets, but also to international organisations, if they have a connection to the UK. This includes scenarios where an asset is physically located outside of the UK but is used to produce products used in the UK.

Practical implication for businesses

Businesses involved in mergers, acquisitions or investments must assess whether their transaction falls within one of the defined sectors and meets the thresholds set by the Government, if so, requires governmental approval to the transaction. If a party dealing with a notifiable transaction proceeds without Government approval, the transaction will be void and the parties involved may face civil and criminal penalties including up to two years’ imprisonment or fines of up to £10 million or 5% of turnover (whichever is higher).

How long does the Governmental approval take?

Once a notification form is submitted, the Government aims to reply within five working days to confirm whether the form has been accepted for review. If accepted, the review period will take up to 30 working days. The Government may extend this period if additional review is required.

How can we help?

If you have any questions about the NSI Act or whether your transaction may trigger a mandatory notification under the NSI Act, please feel free to get in touch with our Corporate & Commercial team.

Missed and untreated fracture claims: What you need to know

Posted on 7 May 20257 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Fractures and broken bones are among the most common injuries, with the average person expected to experience two in their lifetime. They typically occur in the collarbone, wrist, ankle, arm, or hip.

When diagnosed and treated promptly, most fractures heal well—often within three months, even in more complex cases. However, delays in diagnosis or improper treatment can result in serious complications. This is where medical negligence can arise, and you may be eligible to bring a missed fracture compensation claim.

The importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment

Fractures should be treated quickly to avoid long-term complications. For instance:

Bones should ideally be realigned within three weeks of the injury.
By six weeks, the bones typically begin to fuse, making realignment difficult without re-breaking the bone.

A delay in diagnosis or treatment can lead to improper healing (malunion), requiring further medical intervention and potentially causing permanent issues.

Why are fractures sometimes missed?

While many fractures are clearly visible following a fall or trauma, others are more subtle.

Common symptoms of a fracture

Being aware of the signs of a fracture can help prevent delays in seeking treatment. Key symptoms include:

Swelling and bruising around the affected area
Sharp or intense pain, particularly when moving
Difficulty bearing weight or reduced mobility
Tingling or numbness (if nerves are affected)
Visible deformity or abnormal positioning (angulation)
A grinding or crunching sound when moving (crepitus)

When to seek medical attention

If you experience any of the symptoms above, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Your GP or hospital should arrange an X-ray to confirm the presence of a fracture.

Depending on the severity, treatment may involve:

Immobilisation with a cast or brace
Realignment of the bone (manually or surgically)
Surgery in more complex or unstable cases

What happens if a fracture is left untreated?

Untreated fractures can lead to a range of complications, including:

Malunion – the bone heals incorrectly, leading to deformity or restricted movement
Infection, especially in the bone or marrow
Nerve or ligament damage
Blood clots
Avascular necrosis – where bone tissue dies due to loss of blood supply
Compartment syndrome, a potentially serious condition caused by pressure build-up in the muscle

In children, the stakes are even higher. Because their bones are still growing, an untreated or misdiagnosed fracture could lead to limb length discrepancies or permanent deformities.

Malunion fractures explained

A malunion occurs when a broken bone heals in the wrong position. This can cause:

Persistent pain
Reduced functionality
Difficulty with movement
Visible deformities

Malunions often require corrective surgery. They may result from delayed diagnosis, improper treatment, or failure to properly align the bone initially.

Compartment syndrome and missed fractures

Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when swelling or bleeding increases pressure within a muscle compartment, reducing blood flow and damaging nerves and tissue.

This can occur after a fracture, especially if left untreated. If not promptly addressed, it may lead to permanent muscle or nerve damage—and in extreme cases, amputation.

Can I claim compensation for a missed or untreated fracture?

To bring a claim, there must be evidence that:

The medical care you received was substandard, and
This caused you harm, which would have been avoided with proper care.

Time limits apply:

Adults: Three years from the date the alleged negligence occurred or 3 years from the date of knowledge
Children: Three years from their 18th birthday

How much compensation could I claim?

At Tees, we will look at your case individually to ensure that you can get the full amount of compensation the law permits. As your case is unique to your personal circumstances, and the exact situation that your injury occurred and was treated, we cannot tell you exactly how much you can claim at the outset. We will be able to give you a more accurate estimate once we know more about your case.

If you win your claim, the Judicial College Guidelines will guide your compensation amount. Judicial College Guidelines 17th Ed. | Books

Moderate shoulder injury £9,630 to £15,580

Hip or pelvis injury £32,450 to £47,810

Wrist injury £15,370 to £29,900

Modest ankle injury £6,710 to £16,770

Severe ankle injury £38,210 to £61,090

Moderate elbow injury £4,310 to £15,370

How does the medical negligence claims process work?

Medical negligence claims are complex. At Tees, we are experts at helping people navigate this process.

Our team can:

Review your medical records
Obtain expert medical opinions
Gather evidence to support your case
Handle the legal process on your behalf

For more information, read: How to make a medical negligence claim

Economic review April 2025

Posted on 1 May 202529 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Key takeaways

The UK economy grew 0.5% in February, driven by strong service and manufacturing sectors despite looming headwinds
Inflation dipped to 2.6% in March, but April’s household bill hikes are expected to reverse the trend
The labour market weakened as vacancies fell, though wage growth remained robust amid cost pressures and job cuts

UK economy returns to growth

Data released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed economic growth was stronger than expected in February, although more recent survey evidence suggests this pick-up may prove short-lived as economic headwinds threaten growth prospects.

According to the latest gross domestic product (GDP) statistics, economic output rose by 0.5% in February, the fastest rate of expansion in 11 months. This figure was higher than all forecasts submitted to a Reuters poll of economists, which had pointed to a monthly rise of just 0.1%.

ONS said this stronger-than-expected performance partly reflected robust service sector growth, with computer programming, telecoms and car dealerships all performing well during February. In addition, ONS noted that manufacturing, electronics and pharmaceutical businesses all enjoyed a strong month.

Separately released trade figures for February also showed goods exports to the US hit their highest monthly level since November 2022. Analysts suggested the jump was a clear sign of firms trying to beat the imposition of President Trump’s tariffs.

Survey data, however, shows that those tariffs are now having a detrimental impact on business activity. Last month’s preliminary headline growth indicator from the closely monitored S&P Global/CIPS UK Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), for instance, fell to a 29-month low of 48.2 in April, down from 51.5 in March. This left the index significantly below the 50.0 threshold, denoting a contraction in private sector output.

S&P Global Market Intelligence’s Chief Business Economist Chris Williamson said, “The disappointing survey reflects the impact of headwinds from both home and abroad. The biggest concern lies in a slump in exports amid weakened global demand and rising global trade worries, but higher staffing costs have also piled pressure on companies – linked to the National Insurance and minimum wage changes that came into effect at the start of April.”

Inflation rate eases before expected jump

Although last month’s inflation data showed the headline rate at its lowest level for three months, this dip is only expected to prove temporary with an acceleration in price growth likely to resume when April’s data is published later this month.

The latest ONS statistics revealed the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) 12-month rate – which compares prices in the current month with the same period a year earlier – fell to 2.6% in March from 2.8% the previous month. This reading was just below analysts’ expectations, with a Reuters poll pointing to a rate of 2.7%.

ONS noted that March’s decline was largely driven by falling petrol prices and a drop in prices for computer games. The one significant offsetting factor came from the clothing sector, with the price of clothes rising strongly following February’s surprise, unseasonal fall.

Despite this second monthly CPI decline, economists still expect to see a pick-up in inflationary pressures when April’s data is released on 21 May. This predicted jump will largely be driven by a host of household bill increases, which came into effect at the start of last month, as well as price pressures on businesses as they respond to the National Insurance and minimum wage hikes.

Forecasting the future path of inflation, however, has become more complicated with the introduction of Trump’s tariffs. Bank of England (BoE) policymaker Megan Greene recently suggested the tariffs would probably lead to lower rather than higher inflation in the UK, although she did stress big uncertainties still surround the tariff plan, adding “none of us have any idea what they’ll look like when the dust finally settles.”

While such uncertainties undoubtedly create a policy dilemma for the BoE, its interest-rate setting committee is widely expected to sanction another quarter-point rate cut this month, with its decision due to be announced on 8 May.

Markets

As April drew to a close, global markets were digesting fresh data from the States which showed that the economy contracted for the first time in three years during Q1.

The US economy shrank at an annualised rate of 0.3%, as government spending fell and imports surged, with firms racing to get goods into the country ahead of tariffs. The contraction follows robust growth of 2.4% recorded in Q4 2024. The Dow Jones closed the month down 3.17% on 40,669.36, while the tech-orientated NASDAQ closed April up 0.85% on 17,446.34.

On the continent, the Euro Stoxx 50 closed the month 1.74% lower on 5,156.90. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 ended April on 36,045.38, a monthly gain of 1.20%. In the UK, the blue-chip FTSE 100 index closed April on 8,462.77, a loss of 1.40%. The mid-cap focused FTSE 250 closed the month up 1.82% on 19,830.00, while the FTSE AIM closed on 689.93, a gain of 1.16%.

On the foreign exchanges, the euro closed the month at €1.17 against sterling. The US dollar closed at $1.33 against sterling and at $1.13 against the euro.

Gold closed April trading around $3,317 a troy ounce, a monthly gain of over 5%. The price has pulled back from recent all-time highs as geopolitical tensions eased slightly as a result of Trump’s tariff relief orders. Brent Crude closed the month trading at around $61 a barrel, a monthly loss of over 18.00%. The oil price fell at month end as demand concerns weighed.

Index Value (30/04/25) Movement since 31/03/25

FTSE 100 8,462.77 -1.40%

FTSE 250 19,830.00 +1.82%

FTSE AIM 689.93 +1.16%

Euro Stoxx 50 5,156.90 -1.74%

NASDAQ Composite 17,446.34 +0.85%

Dow Jones 40,669.36 -3.17%

Nikkei 225 36,045.38 +1.20%

Retail sales see strong quarterly rise

Official retail sales statistics published last month revealed that sales volumes grew at their fastest rate in nearly four years across the first three months of 2025.

According to the latest monthly ONS figures, retail sales volumes rose by 0.4% in March, defying economists’ expectations of a 0.4% decline. ONS said sales at garden centres were boosted by March’s sunny weather, while demand for clothing and DIY goods also proved to be strong. This left sales across the first quarter as a whole up by 1.6%, the largest three-month growth rate since July 2021.

Data from GfK’s most recent consumer confidence survey, however, suggests sales may not grow so quickly over the coming months. In April, the closely watched gauge of British consumer sentiment fell to its lowest level since late 2023, with GfK saying rising household bills and turbulent global financial markets were behind the drop in confidence.

The latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey found that retailers are also relatively pessimistic about the future outlook. Although the survey’s monthly sales gauge for April was actually higher than the comparable figure for March, respondents said they expect the retail environment to worsen this month reflecting concerns about weak consumer sentiment and global economic uncertainty.

Jobs market continues to weaken

The latest set of UK labour market statistics showed that demand for workers continued to wane in the run-up to April’s National Insurance and minimum wage changes, although pay growth once again remained strong.

Figures published last month by ONS revealed another decline in the overall number of job vacancies. In total, there were 26,000 fewer vacancies reported between January and March 2025, leaving the estimated number of jobs on offer at 781,000. This leaves vacancies 15,000 lower than in the same period in 2020, marking the first time since March to May 2021 that the total has fallen below its pre-pandemic level.

Survey evidence also points to a further softening in demand for labour. Data from April’s S&P Global/CIPS PMI, for example, found job cutting remains ‘aggressive’ across the UK private sector as firms grapple with the twin pressures of decreased workloads and rising payroll costs; survey respondents widely noted that squeezed margins had resulted in the non-replacement of voluntary leavers.

The ONS data, however, did show that wage growth remains strong. Indeed, average weekly earnings excluding bonuses rose at an annual rate of 5.9% in the three months to February, up from 5.8% in the previous three-month period.

All details are correct at the time of writing (01 May 2025)

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.

This material is intended to be for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. Tees is a trading name of Tees Financial Limited which is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority—registered number 211314.

Tees Financial Limited is registered in England and Wales—registered number 4342506.

Hip and knee replacement surgery and medical negligence: What you need to know

Posted on 1 May 202510 May 2025 by Sarah O'Sullivan

Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgical procedures in the UK. While they are generally successful in improving mobility and reducing pain, complications can occur— particularly in cases where the standard of care falls short and there is medical negligence. In this guide, we explain what joint replacement surgery involves, potential risks, and how patients can take legal action if things go wrong.

What is hip and knee replacement surgery?

Joint replacement surgeries, or arthroplasties, are primarily performed to treat osteoarthritis, gout, and sports injuries. In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis or damage from a fall may also necessitate surgery.

When conservative treatments are no longer effective and joint pain significantly impacts daily life, replacement surgery is often recommended. The aim is to restore pain-free mobility and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Key statistics:

According to the National Joint Registry (2023):

108,558 primary hip replacement procedures
116,845 primary knee replacement procedures

It is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the UK will need a joint replacement in their lifetime.

Data from NHS England (2023/24) shows:

Hip Replacement: 24.6% of patients reported post-operative issues, 5.7% were readmitted, and 2.3% required further surgery.
Knee Replacement: 27.6% experienced complications, 7% were readmitted, and 3.1% required further surgery.

Note: These statistics may change over time. For the latest data, refer to the National Joint Registry, the Royal College of Surgeons, or the NHS.

Types of joint replacement surgeries

Knee Replacement:

Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Both ends of the joint (thigh bone and shin bone) are replaced.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only the damaged part of the knee is replaced.

Hip Replacement:

Total Hip Replacement (THR): Both the ball (top of the thigh bone) and socket (part of the pelvis) are replaced.
Partial Hip Replacement: Only the ball is replaced.

Common risks and complications

While joint replacement surgeries are common and generally safe, complications can still occur. Medical negligence claims relating to hip and knee replacement surgeries usually arise because of:

Blood clots & deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Blood clots can form and travel to the lungs, causing life-threatening blockages.
Failure to prevent or diagnose DVT due to inadequate medication or advice can lead to claims.

Tissue and nerve damage

Poor surgical technique may damage surrounding tissues and nerves.

Prosthesis misalignment

Improperly aligned implants can lead to dislocations and uneven leg lengths, affecting mobility.

Prosthesis failure

Incorrectly fitted or defective implants may fail prematurely.

Infections

Infections at the wound site or around the prosthesis can occur, sometimes due to substandard post-operative care.

Lack of informed consent

Patients must be fully informed of potential risks before consenting to surgery.

Proving medical negligence in joint replacement surgery

Healthcare professionals owe patients a legal duty of care. To make a successful medical negligence claim, you must demonstrate that:

Breach of duty: The medical professional provided substandard care.
Causation: You suffered harm as a direct result.
Financial loss: You incurred financial losses (e.g., lost income, care costs, ongoing treatment).

How Tees can help

Seeking support for a medical negligence claim is a significant and often challenging step. This is why we are here to listen to you, talk through what happened, and help and guide you every step of the way.

Tees offer a complete funding package, including a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement, for the investigation of medical negligence claims – this means that you can run the case safely in the knowledge that if you lose the case, it should not cost you a penny.

Read our comprehensive No Win, No Fee Claims guide for more details.