GDPR: Companies with EU customers must act now

When the transition period ends and the UK’s exit from the European Union is complete, businesses with customers in Europe will need to keep on the right side of data protection legislation.   Under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation – or GDPR as it is known – there are strict requirements for businesses processing personally identifiable information about individuals who live within the EEA, which comprises the countries within the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. GDPR has continued to apply alongside the UK Data Protection Act 2018 during…

What is a privacy policy and what should it contain?

Briefly, a Privacy Policy is a statement that specifies how a data controller collects, stores, processes the personal data provided by the users of a website. As required by the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) data controllers should provide certain information to individuals whose personal data is held and used for specific purposes. The definition of personal data includes names, addresses, IP addresses, telephone numbers, date of birth, and financial information, such as debit or credit card details. The GDPR emphasizes that you should be clear about how you…

COVID-19 and the law: Can I take my child on holiday during term-time?

It has been a long and difficult year for most of us, with many considering finally taking a family holiday. With children having returned to school and travel plans frequently changing as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, taking children on holiday during term-time may be a consideration for many parents. The rules concerning term-time holidays changed in 2013, and headteachers may no longer grant holidays of up to 10 days in ‘special circumstances’. Headteachers may now only grant permission for term-time absence in exceptional circumstances. But surely, we are…

Bonfires and the law: What are the rules, and have they changed in light of COVID-19?

With the dark nights coming in and summer drawing to a close, you may be considering having a bonfire. Either to dispose of waste that has accrued over the summer, to celebrate bonfire night, or simply to keep you warm in the garden as the evenings get chillier, a controlled fire in your garden may seem like the perfect solution. Specifically, there are no laws against having a bonfire in your garden. However, there are laws to protect the rights of those around you from the nuisance a bonfire may…

COVID-19: New grants for businesses affected by local lockdowns

On 9 September 2020, Ministers announced new funding to support businesses that have been forced to close temporarily due to local COVID-19 related lockdowns. To be eligible for the grant, a business will have been required to close due to local COVID-19 restrictions. Businesses still closed at a national level (e.g. nightclubs), will not be eligible for the scheme. Larger businesses will receive £1,500 every three weeks they are required to close. Smaller businesses will receive £1,000. For this purpose, the level of support will be defined as follows: If…

Lights, camera, action… signing your will goes live

Experts are warning against self-directed videos following the announcement by the Government that legislation is to be introduced in September to allow wills to be signed remotely using a live video link. While the coronavirus pandemic continues to pose a challenge for those wishing to have their wills drafted and signed, the announcement does not loosen any of the strict requirements, but instead adds extra complications. “Many people don’t realise the conditions that must be met if a will is to be valid,” explained Manal Fouad, wills and trusts lawyer…

Checking all your T&Cs match up to the new normal

Companies should prioritise risk management in their approach to business and review their third-party relationships and contracts as the coronavirus pandemic continues. While the degree of disruption to supplies and staffing has settled since its initial peak, it is still fragile, and the future uncertain.  Staff are engaged in new ways of working and supply chains continue to experience pressures outside their control. With the pandemic reaching into every aspect of business, it is important to review practices, policies and processes to be sure they match up to the new…

Debt collection in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic – what are the options?

In this article, we look at debt collection during the coronavirus pandemic, to help you understand what options are available to you. In these uncertain times, no matter how big or small your business is, managing cash flow can be challenging. One particular difficulty for many firms is dealing with debt collection. Maximising debt collection should be a priority for your business to secure your financial future, but it may be tough to navigate during the pandemic. At present, many of your debtors may be struggling financially, or claim they…

FCA consults on additional guidance for mortgage providers in COVID-19

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced proposals to ensure that firms provide tailored support to mortgage borrowers who continue to face payment difficulties due to coronavirus. The FCA has published a guidance consultation setting out further information for mortgage providers and COVID-19 affected borrowers. The FCA's proposals aim to support mortgage borrowers who have taken up payment deferrals and who continue to face financial difficulties. The proposals will also help those whose financial situation may now be affected by COVID-19 post lockdown. The draft (in consultation until 1 September)…

Remote family court hearings – how do they work?

The introduction of social distancing in response to the coronavirus outbreak has caused disruption to many vital services – including in the justice system. Many services that would typically have taken place face-to-face have been adapted to meet the challenges of our current climate. One such service is family court hearings, which may now take place remotely. In this post, we look at how remote family court hearings currently operate. Will my family court hearing be held remotely or in-person? For now, it is the default position that family court…