HMRC steps up inquiry into employment status of Hermes couriers – The Guardian

‘HM Revenue & Customs has stepped up its investigation into the delivery company Hermes classifiying its couriers as self-employed, while the business has also been hit with an employment rights lawsuit from the GMB trade union.’

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The Guardian, 3rd May 2017

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Digital Economy Bill made law – Panopticon

Posted May 4th, 2017 in advertising, bills, internet, news, pornography, privacy by sally

‘What with all the kerfuffle over Brexit negotiations and the impending snap general election, you could perhaps be forgiven for failing to notice that the Government had rushed the Digital Economy Bill through Parliament in last week’s “wash up” before the dissolution of Parliament.’

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Panopticon, 3rd May 2017

Source: www.panopticonblog.com

Third Party Litigation Funding Continues to Grow – Litigation Futures

Posted May 4th, 2017 in legal services, news, third parties by sally

‘With court fees rising and litigation becoming increasingly expensive, third party litigation funding continues to grow. There are various reasons clients may want to consider litigation funding, such as the need for a cash injection to enable them to get their case off the ground or the desire to take the litigation risk off their balance sheet and avoid having funds tied up in lengthy legal battles. Litigation funding can also be a useful tool for solicitors as it can provide payment of their fees where a client does not have the funds to continue with the litigation.

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Litigation Futures, 3rd May 2017

Source: www.litigationfutures.com

Government rules out appealing air quality plan ruling – Local Government Lawyer

‘The Government has confirmed that it will not appeal last week’s High Court judgment which ordered it to produce its air quality plans by 9 May, it has been reported.’

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Local Government Lawyer, 3rd May 2017

Source: www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk

Brexit may cost MPs and peers the power to pass laws, says former judge – The Guardian

‘The “legislative tsunami” unleashed by Brexit will deliver the “greatest challenge” in history to the integrity of parliament’s procedures, a former lord chief justice has said. Lord Judge raised his concerns that by the time Brexit is completed and the “great repeal bill” enacted, MPs and peers will have effectively given away their powers to pass laws.’

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The Guardian, 3rd May 2017

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Lord Janner’s family have hearing request rejected – BBC News

‘The family of the late Lord Janner have lost their battle to have a hearing to discuss concerns about the inquiry into allegations against him.’

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BBC News, 3rd May 2017

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

Official forensic regulator calls for increase to legal aid funding – The Guardian

Posted May 4th, 2017 in computer crime, DNA, forensic science, legal aid, news by sally

‘Defence lawyers need additional legal aid funding to help them check and challenge the increasing complexity of digital evidence gathered for criminal prosecutions, the official forensic science regulator has warned. Dr Gillian Tully told the Forensics Europe Expo in London that time pressures to meet deadlines for complying with new digital forensics standards could result in “a bit of a car crash” if firms are not ready in time.’

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The Guardian, 3rd May 2017

Source: www.guardian.co.uk