Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first budget: New policies to boost UK economy
“Our mission to grow the economy” Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, delivered the Labour government’s first Budget on 30 October with a promise to “restore economic stability” and “invest, invest, invest” to promote growth. In her statement, she outlined a number of new tax and spending measures that she said would create “an economy […]
Stansted Airport expansion: Balancing growth with employment law compliance
Stansted Airport’s reported £1.1 billion expansion is poised to create over 5,000 jobs, promising a major economic boost. However, behind the headlines lies a complex employment law landscape that should be considered. Employment law challenges While new jobs and growth are to be welcomed, large projects like this can present human and employment law challenges […]
Lessons for UK employers from Amazon’s return-to-office mandate
Navigating the new norm Amazon’s bold decision to compel all employees back to the office five days a week starting next year has stirred considerable debate. While the move signals a return to pre-pandemic norms, it also represents a broader philosophical and operational shift for companies worldwide. For UK businesses, this development prompts contemplation on […]
UK commercial real estate shows strong performance, says BNP Paribas
Investor sentiment has improved, with sterling continuing to strengthen, reaching its highest level against the dollar and the euro in over two years. This helps to attract overseas investors and boost UK weightings in global real estate allocations. Performance is recovering too and total returns were positive across all main sectors over the last three […]
Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023: Key info for hospitality
From 1 October 2024, the UK hospitality sector was subject to the introduction of the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023. The legislation has been designed to facilitate transparency and fairness in distributing tips, gratuities, and service charges among workers. The law addresses long-standing concerns over tip management, particularly as the industry moves toward cashless […]
Navigating collective redundancy: A look at the UK procedure through Dyson’s lens
Understanding Collective Redundancy in the UK In the intricate web of corporate restructuring, the concept of collective redundancy stands out, especially in the context of UK employment law. It’s a process that isn’t just procedural but profoundly impacts the employees’ lives. For companies like Dyson, known for their innovation in household appliances, navigating through such […]
Residential market improves as demand and mortgage rates align
Improving conditions in the residential market According to Savills, activity in the residential property market is picking up as house prices continue to show modest growth. In August, mortgage approvals were only 3% below pre-pandemic levels. In September, sales agreed and new instructions were 8% and 9% above their respective 2017-2019 averages, highlighting that supply […]
Employment Rights Bill 2024: Worker protections and productivity
Understanding the Employments Rights Bill 2024 The Employment Rights Bill 2024 (the Bill), unveiled on 10 October, introduces significant changes to the UK’s employment laws, marking the largest overhaul in decades. With 28 reforms, the Government has presented the Bill as aiming to enhance worker protections and boost productivity across the economy. One of the […]
Employment Rights Bill 2024: Worker protections and productivity
Understanding the Employments Rights Bill 2024 The Employment Rights Bill 2024 (the Bill), unveiled on 10 October, introduces significant changes to the UK’s employment laws, marking the largest overhaul in decades. With 28 reforms, the Government has presented the Bill as aiming to enhance worker protections and boost productivity across the economy. One of the […]
Navigating AI regulation in the UK: Essential insights for employers
This year, the European Parliament formally adopted the Artificial Intelligence Act (“AI Act”), the first comprehensive law designed to regulate AI on a broad scale across the European Union. This landmark piece of legislation which was introduced on 13 March 2024 laid the foundation for AI governance within the EU but has left some UK […]
UK economic growth forecast upgraded
Economic review September 2024 On markets at the end of September, with investors and traders closely monitoring regional developments. At month end, stocks retreated following implications from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell that further interest rate cuts are likely to occur at a more measured pace. Across the pond, the Dow Jones closed the month […]
What to expect from your Conveyancer: A complete guide to property transactions
Buying or selling a property is a significant milestone, but it can often feel overwhelming. That’s where a conveyancer comes in – to navigate the legal complexities and ensure your transaction is seamless. What is a conveyancer? A conveyancer is a legal professional specializing in property transactions. Their expertise ensures the legal transfer of property […]