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VWV Articles & Blogs - Legal Updates and Best Practice

Articles & Blogs

Browse our law brief articles and blogs, aimed at addressing the practical implications of the latest legal developments affecting you and your organisation.

Articles & Blogs Employment

Government revives plan to ban NDAs in higher education

Thursday, 13 February 2025

The Government has confirmed that it will proceed with banning non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in the higher education sector for cases involving sexual misconduct, bullying, and harassment.

Government revives plan to ban NDAs in higher education
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Articles & Blogs Employment

EAT issues useful reminder on substitution mindset in Tribunal litigation

Thursday, 13 February 2025

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has overturned a Tribunal decision in a recent case, ruling that the Tribunal failed to apply the correct legal test when assessing the fairness of a dismissal.

EAT issues useful reminder on substitution mindset in Tribunal litigation
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Articles & Blogs Real Estate

Stamp Duty Land Tax changes - residential properties

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

From 1 April 2025, the rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax are changing. Whilst this change will impact on every residential purchase completed on or after this date, it's first-time buyers who will be the most affected.

Stamp Duty Land Tax changes - residential properties
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Articles & Blogs Divorce & Family Private Client

Divorce and finance settlements - what's conduct got to do with it?

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

While misconduct in a marriage can feel morally significant, family courts prioritise financial fairness over punishment. We explore when and how conduct influences settlements in divorce proceedings.

Divorce and finance settlements - what's conduct got to do with it?
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Articles & Blogs Procurement Public Sector

Preparing for the Procurement Act: a guide for suppliers

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

Helping suppliers navigate new rules and seize opportunities under the Procurement Act 2023.

Preparing for the Procurement Act: a guide for suppliers
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Articles & Blogs Charities

New corporate offence of failure to prevent fraud - how should charities prepare

Monday, 10 February 2025

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) is a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at bolstering the UK's defences against fraud.

New corporate offence of failure to prevent fraud - how should charities prepare
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Articles & Blogs Employment

Foster carers permitted to bring whistleblowing and discrimination claims

Thursday, 06 February 2025

An employment tribunal has ruled that foster carers can pursue whistleblowing and discrimination claims despite lacking a contractual relationship with local authorities.

Foster carers permitted to bring whistleblowing and discrimination claims
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Articles & Blogs Employment

EAT reduces £10,000 injury to feelings award to £2,000

Thursday, 06 February 2025

The EAT has reduced a £10,000 injury to feelings award for pregnancy discrimination to £2,000 finding that the original sum was manifestly excessive given the limited impact of the employer’s actions.

EAT reduces £10,000 injury to feelings award to £2,000
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Articles & Blogs Employment

Unlawful deductions and PHI benefits: EAT clarifies limits of claims

Thursday, 06 February 2025

A recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decision has clarified the extent to which Permanent Health Insurance (PHI) benefits can be claimed under the unlawful deductions from wages regime.

Unlawful deductions and PHI benefits: EAT clarifies limits of claims
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Articles & Blogs Pharma & Life Sciences

AI - a tool for sustainability with a resource cost

Thursday, 06 February 2025

AI's sustainability remains a nuanced question, balancing its potential benefits against its environmental costs.

AI - a tool for sustainability with a resource cost
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Articles & Blogs Pharma & Life Sciences

COP29: What are the key points for the Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences sector?

Thursday, 06 February 2025

COP29, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United National Framework Convention on Climate Changes (UNFCCC), was held between 11 and 24 November 2024. We consider the key points for the Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences sector.

COP29: What are the key points for the Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences sector?
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Articles & Blogs Pharma & Life Sciences

Why must Pharma act on sustainability now?

Thursday, 06 February 2025

Even only a couple of years ago, sustainability was seen as something that would be a 'nice to have'. No more. It has risen right up to the top of the agenda as a leading issue for pharma leaders. Why? The pressure has been coming from lots of angles.

Why must Pharma Act on sustainability now?
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Articles & Blogs Real Estate

Fees for planning applications set to increase

Monday, 03 February 2025

The fees for submitting certain types of planning applications to a local planning authority are set to increase on the 1 April 2025 to help support the Government's priority of economic growth.

Fees for planning applications set to increase
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Articles & Blogs Real Estate

High street rental auctions - local authority powers

Monday, 03 February 2025

Local authorities (LAs) in England now have the power to auction lettings of vacant high street commercial property. In this article we highlight some of the key provisions relating to High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs).

High street rental auctions - local authority powers
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Articles & Blogs Real Estate

Rights of riparian owners in the face of foul water discharge

Monday, 03 February 2025

The Supreme Court’s recent decision represents welcome clarification of the rights of riparian owners and the responsibilities of sewerage undertakers under the Water Industry Act 1991.

Rights of riparian owners in the face of foul water discharge
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