On 15 March the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, released his Spring Budget 2023. With the Autumn Statement 2022 having to focus on the need to restore economic stability, in light of the UK political turmoil at that time, this was billed as a Budget for growth, encouraging business investment in the UK. The Government’s stated aim is to create a competitive, pro-business tax regime and the headline announcement – certainly going some way to achieving this – was on capital allowances.
There are already big reforms planned for the UK Trade Remedies Authority – less than two years after its establishment – and for the overall operation of the UK trade remedies regime. On 9 March 2023, the UK Government announced changes to its trade remedies regime to transition to a more complex investigatory regime.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled Blog Series: Sanctions Enforcement Around the G7, The UK Perspective on 10 March 2023. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.
The UK’s trade remedies body, the Trade Remedies Authority announced on 22 February that it has begun a reconsideration of its recommendation in Case AD0012, concerning imports of certain aluminium extrusions originating in China. Notably, this was the TRA’s first anti-dumping investigation in response to an application from UK industry. A reconsideration application is a request for the TRA to review its findings in a concluded investigation.
In an article for PLC Magazine, Kim Sartin, Zelander Gray and Sam Rayner look at how employers that are considering venturing into the metaverse will need to address new challenges that arise out of employees working in a virtual environment.
In an article written to coincide with International Women’s Day 2023, Baker McKenzie’s Monica Kurnatowska looks at law firm diversity and the importance of an evidence-based approach to inclusion and diversity.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled Focus by US, EU, UK and other authorities on third countries and anti-circumvention of Russia sanctions on 8 March 2023. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.
A study by the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that 77% of working mothers surveyed had potentially discriminatory or negative experiences. For many, the statutory protections designed to help mothers are not effective in re-balancing the disadvantages faced. With most mothers being of working age, we explore what employers can do to tackle these issues in order to retain mothers in the workplace.
After a long period in which the UK government has promised several employment law changes contained in an Employment Bill without bringing forward such a Bill, it has now announced it is supporting certain private members’ bills which include developments in these areas. These include expanding the right to request flexible working, a new right to request more predictable working conditions, a number of changes to family leave entitlements, and protection for those facing harassment by third parties such as customers at work.
Baker McKenzie’s Sanctions Blog published the alert titled UK announces new package of sanctions against Russia and designates additional individuals/companies on 24 February 2023. Read the article via the link here. Please also visit our Sanctions Blog for the most recent updates.