Expert Analysis

• FCA Consumer Duty May Pose Enforcement Challenges

  

  The new U.K. Financial Conduct Authority consumer duty sets higher standards of customer protection and transparency for financial services firms, but given the myriad products available across the sector, policing the regulations is going to be a challenging task, says Alessio Ianiello at Keller Postman.

• Employer Strategies For Fixing Motherhood Pay Gap

  

  Armed with an understanding of new research from The Fawcett Society covering the impact of motherhood on the pay and economic engagement of different ethnic groups, there are a number of tools employers can leverage to reduce the pay gap, say Simon Kerr-Davis and Kloe Halls at Linklaters.

• How The UK Visa Scheme Expansion May Plug Labor Gaps

  

  Amid ongoing labor shortages, the U.K. government's proposed expansion of the youth mobility scheme could address gaps in the retail and hospitality sectors by freeing employers of the cost and bureaucracy associated with sponsorship, says Katie Newbury at Kingsley Napley.

• Key Changes In Belarusian Foreign Labor Migration Law

  

  Employers should be aware of the recent changes to the labor migration law in Belarus, which provides new permit requirements and amends employers' obligations toward employed migrants, to avoid unnecessary time and financial waste, says Stefan Tomchyk at Sorainen.

• Employer Steps Ahead Of Sexual Harassment Prevention Law

  

  A new Parliamentary bill on employers' duties to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace is expected to enter into force next year, so companies should prepare by rethinking their prevention strategies to avoid fines or being investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, says Joanne Moseley at Irwin Mitchell.

• Reputation Management Lessons From Spacey Case

  

  While a U.K. jury recently acquitted actor Kevin Spacey of sexual assault charges, his reputation has been harmed, illustrating the importance for lawyers to balance a client's right to privacy with media engagement throughout the criminal process, says Jessica Welch at Simkins.

• New Solicitor Workplace Rules Present Practical Challenges

  

  As law firms and partners are beginning to understand and apply the Solicitors Regulation Authority's new rules and guidance on unfair treatment toward colleagues, it is becoming clear that there are a number of potential pitfalls to navigate, says Andrew Pavlovic at CM Murray.

• What Trustees Must Know About Virgin Media Pension Case

  

  The High Court's recent decision in Virgin Media v. NTL Trustees could have significant consequences for salary-related contracted-out schemes, making it necessary for trustees to start examining any deeds of amendment during the affected time period, says James Newcome at Wedlake Bell.

• 4 ADR Techniques To Know In Employment Cases

  

  With increasing pressure on Employment Tribunal resources and recent presidential guidance highlighting alternative dispute resolution methods, practitioners should know the key types of ADR available for employment claims, how they differ and what the likely future implications are for those involved in tribunal litigation, says Sarah Hooton at Browne Jacobson.

• Gender Diverse Boards May Reduce Corporate Fraud Risk

  

  Following the recently proposed "failure to prevent fraud" offense, companies should focus on diversity in leadership as research shows that an increase in women's representation on boards is associated with a decreased probability of fraud, say Anoushka Warlow and Suzanne Gallagher at BCL Solicitors.

• Trustees Should Take Caution After UK Pension Tap Plan

  

  The U.K. government's recent plan to boost technology startups by tapping into pension sector funds may risk the hard-earned savings of members, so trustees need to be mindful of the proposals in light of their fiduciary duties, say Beth Brown and Riccardo Bruno at Arc Pensions.

• Why Law Firms Should Consider Apprenticeships

  

  A recent government briefing shows that young people are increasingly signing up for apprenticeships, a trend that law firms should take advantage of to improve socioeconomic diversity and help to recruit a variety of talent, which can boost employee retention in the long run, says Emma O'Connor at Boyes Turner.

• The Importance Of A Proactive Approach To Workplace Safety

  

  Two recent Crown Court cases regarding gross negligence manslaughter highlight the costs of failing to prioritize safety at work, which should act as a catalyst for companies to review and update their health and safety policies, say lawyers at Fieldfisher.

• In-Office Policies May Be Solution To UK Skills Shortage

  

  Against the backdrop of the U.K. skills shortage, personal engagement with junior lawyers could boost employee commitment, engagement and retention, highlighting that physical presence in the office is valued and vital, says Michael Stokes at Harrison Clark.

• Why Workplace Menstruation And Menopause Support Matters

  

  The British Standards Institution's recent workplace standard on menstruation, menstrual health and menopause marks a new chapter in combating age- and gender-based employment inequalities, and employers play a huge role in facilitating inclusive workplaces to attract, retain and support women of all ages, says Kathleen Riach at Glasgow University.