Streetwise - November 2011
In the last issue of Streetwise this year, I return to my perennial theme of contracts.
Christine Oxenburgh
0845 634 1739
christine.oxenburgh@freethcartwright.co.uk
Freeth Cartwright LLP
3 year sentence for first Bribery Act conviction and the SFO is keen for more!
The first conviction under the Bribery Act has come only 4 months after the Act came into force in July. Munir Patel, clerk at Redbridge Magistrates’ Court, pleaded guilty in October to “requesting and receiving a bribe”, when he accepted £500 for fixing a speeding offence . He has now been sentenced to 3 years (to run concurrently with a six year sentence for misconduct in a public office).
Retail Update - November 2011
Last month the EU Council finally approved the Consumer Rights Directive. This covers business- to-consumer sales contracts for goods and services both on and off premises and will strengthen consumer rights across all 27 member states and make it easier for businesses to trade across Europe.
Managing disputes - October 2011
People fall out over money, especially when times are hard and margins are tight. Surveys confirm that litigation is on the rise.
Commerical Review - October 2011
Social Networking - Employer’s Friend or Foe?
There can be no doubt that we are in the midst of a communication revolution. The use of email and social media for communication purposes has grown significantly in recent years and shows no signs of slowing. We only need to look at the impact that social networking had on the recent riots to understand its potential impact both inside and outside of the workplace.
Whilst employers have had time to develop policies on electronic communications, how should they respond to the proliferation of social networking through the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, to name but a few?
Streetwise - October 2011
Call me sad but while we enjoyed the rays of sunshine we missed in July and August and remember our holidays as a happy dream, I was thinking about business owners. As we were all packing our buckets and spades the Court of Appeal was thinking about them too.
Christine Oxenburgh
0845 634 1739
christine.oxenburgh@freethcartwright.co.uk
Requesting the right to work flexibly – more changes afoot
Flexible working is set to become one of the most topical workplace challenges for employers following the announcement of Government plans to create a more modern workplace for the modern economy.
Retail Update - Cutting retail red tape
Amidst reports that continuing difficult trading conditions will force retailers to begin their Christmas sales this year as early as November, the Government is trying to do its bit by reducing the regulatory burden upon them.