Expert Analysis

• Court Backlog Could Alter Work Safety Enforcement Priorities

  

  While criminal prosecution remains the default course of action following the most serious workplace accidents, a record backlog of cases in the crown courts in England and Wales and safety regulators’ recognition of the need for change may allow for a more discerning approach, say lawyers at BCL Solicitors.

• A Look At Current Challenges In Whistleblowing Practice

  

  Consensus on the status of reforming Great Britain's whistleblowing framework is currently difficult to discern, and thorny issues revealed by recent cases highlight undesirable uncertainties for those pursuing and defending whistleblowing claims, says Ivor Adair at Fox & Partners.

• What Employers Must Know About New Neonatal Care Act

  

  With the Neonatal Care Act set to provide employees with a day 1 right to neonatal care leave and pay from April, employers should ensure that they understand the complex provisions underpinning the new rights before communicating them to their workforce, say lawyers at Morgan Lewis.

• Banker Remuneration Proposals Could Affect More Than Pay

  

  The Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority’s pending proposals to reduce banker remuneration restrictions bring obvious personal financial advantages for bankers, but may have repercussions that result in increased scrutiny of bonus payments and wider changes to workplace culture and overall accountability, say lawyers at Fox Williams.

• Rethinking 'No Comment' For Clients Facing Public Crises

  

  “No comment” is no longer a cost-free or even a viable public communications strategy for companies in crisis, and counsel must tailor their guidance based on a variety of competing factors to help clients emerge successfully, says Robert Bowers at Moore & Van Allen.

• New Bill Introduces Important Whistleblower Protections

  

  If enacted, a bill that proposes the establishment of an independent whistleblower office in the U.K. offering protected disclosures will encourage individual whistleblowers, and alleviate the pressure for companies to investigate complaints, say lawyers at Tenet Law.

• Nonfinancial Misconduct Lessons From Rail Worker's Win

  

  While financial services firms wait for the Financial Conduct Authority’s final policy statement on nonfinancial misconduct, an Employment Tribunal’s recent award to a railroad worker targeted by a hostile human resources team provides guidance on developing even-handed and inclusive company policies, say attorneys at Shoosmiths.

• Important Changes To Note In Accountant Ethics Code Update

  

  The Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales' forthcoming code of ethics will bring a number of significant updates to raise standards within the profession, but also risks of professional indemnity claims that could lead to challenges for firms, say lawyers at RPC.

• Despite Divisive Political Rhetoric, DEI Is Alive And Well

  

  ​The World Economic Forum's recent finding that DEI initiatives have continued to rise amid political headwinds raises the question of whether reports of the death of DEI are exaggerated, especially as employers must focus on new pay gap reporting obligations in the U.K. and Europe, say lawyers at Herbert Smith Freehills.

• How GCs Can Protect Cos. From Geopolitical Headwinds

  

  Geopolitical uncertainty is perceived by corporate leaders as the biggest short-term threat to global business, but many of the potential crises are navigable if general counsel focus on what is being said about a company and what the company is doing, says Juliet Young at Schillings.

• Get Ready For Big Employment Law Changes In UK This Year

  

  In 2025, employers should be reviewing artificial intelligence risks and anticipating potential immigration policy changes while preparing for updates to 28 areas of law that are on the horizon with the Employment Rights Bill, which represents the biggest change to employment law in decades, say lawyers at Morgan Lewis.

• 5 Trends Employers Can Consider To Secure Proprietary Info

  

  With noncompete clauses under scrutiny in the U.S. and U.K., companies may want to consider other restrictive covenants or clawback provisions to protect sensitive company data with fewer risks of legal challenge, says Daniel Stander at Vedder Price.

• Forced Labor Imports Raise Criminal Risks For UK Retailers

  

  Last summer’s London appeals court ruling applying the Proceeds of Crime Act to products made with forced labor, potential legislative reforms and recent BBC allegations about Chinese produce harvested by Uyghur detainees suggest British importers and retailers should increase scrutiny of their supply chains, says Ian Hargreaves at Quillon Law.

• Preventing Harassment At Office Holiday Parties And Beyond

  

  In response to the Worker Protection Act's new duty for employers to proactively prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, Nick Hurley and Amelia McRae at Charles Russell outline six steps companies should take — including some suggestions to ensure a safe and enjoyable Christmas party.

• Labour Budget Pension Changes May Strain Employers

  

  While the Labour government’s new budget included only a few pension changes, its increases to employer national insurance contributions and inheritance tax reforms may pose monetary and operational challenges for employers, says Beth Brown at Arc Pensions Law.