The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is a groundbreaking piece of legislation requiring the UK's highest-turnover businesses to combat slavery and human trafficking on a global scale. The legislation was the brainchild of Theresa May in her previous post of home secretary and, whatever your view of the now prime minister's policies, the Modern Slavery Act is uncontroversial in its aim of eradicating abuse in supply chains across the globe. In truly modern style, the teeth of the legislation lie in the power of the internet. Commercial organisations wi... Continue reading

April 2017 sees the latest in our series of Facilities Management Legal Update events, covering everything that FM professionals need to know about the very latest changes in health and safety, environmental management and HR practice. David Sharp reflects on how the event has changed in the 18 years since it was launched. I remember the first ever Facilities Management Legal Update event, which took place in Leeds in association with Masons Solicitors (now Pinsent Masons) on 21 September 1999. A second event followed in London six weeks lat... Continue reading

Looking back on over 30 years of Business Continuity (BC), I sometimes wonder if we will still be working tomorrow, given the issues that we face today. However, surprising to many, we've been here before. Way back in the mid-70s our economy was so uncertain that the UK government felt compelled to introduce a three-day week. In those days, inflation was over 20% and the Provisional IRA was making physical security a specific concern. But, somehow, we’ve forgotten how we coped then because things were not the same. To quote LP Hartley, the pa... Continue reading

Pensions automatic enrolment (AE) has been with us since October 2012, but over the next two years some important developments will take effect.  So how should employers prepare? First timers Although very many employers have successfully already implemented AE, others still have to go through the process for the first time.  They are typically small or recently established employers, whose staging dates (when the AE obligation first applies to the employer) fall between now and February 2018. Some employers may need to provide access to a... Continue reading

There are many upcoming changes to the laws relating to data protection. These new laws will change how we collect, store and use data. For some, much work will be required, for example, a need to check consent notices to ensure they are compliant or putting in place data breach notification procedures where the new mandatory rules apply to them. For many, the new rules, which are fast approaching, will come somewhat as a surprise. So, what changes are we looking at? Primarily the changes will come from the Digital Economy Bill, the General Dat... Continue reading