On 19 June 2020, the Government issued a new voluntary Code of Practice for commercial property. The Code has been developed with leaders from the retail, hospitality and property sectors to provide clarity for businesses when discussing rental payments and to encourage best practice between landlords and tenants so that all parties are supported.
Read MoreAs we fast approach the June quarter when there is likely to be further tenant default on rental payments, landlords should check whether they are entitled to recover any sums due to them from former tenants/their guarantors under the terms of an authorised guarantee agreement. There is a strict process and timescale to bear in mind.
Read MoreSince our last update there have been further changes announced to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough scheme). The changes reflect people returning to work over the coming months and, from August 2020, employers start to share the burden of paying furloughed employees on a staggered basis.
Read MoreThe UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 and, shortly after, the country became preoccupied with coronavirus. The UK is in a transition period until 31 December 2020 during which time it is still largely aligned with the EU. After that, either the UK will have a suitable trade deal or it will move to WTO terms. This focus on more pressing matters means there has not been much progress on negotiating the trade deal.
Read MoreOn 20 May 2020, the Government published the long-awaited draft Corporate Insolvency and Governance bill (the Bill).
Read MoreTraced have brought their industry knowledge, future-proofing vision, and technical innovation together in the consumer targeted app, Traced, which provides unparalleled detection of malicious apps by identifying if, when and how any apps abuse access to users’ personal data.
Read MoreOver seven weeks after the lockdown was announced, the Courts, and lawyers, have adjusted well to working remotely. All hearings are being dealt with remotely, unless an in-person hearing is unavoidable (and for which systems have been put in place to ensure the safety of participants).
Read MoreHaving placed a moratorium on forfeiture (which is currently due to expire on 30 June) the Government has now introduced further measures to protect commercial tenants against enforcement actions being taken by landlords for non-payment of rents.
Read MoreCovid-19 is the wrecking ball on the C-suite’s reluctance to embark upon digital transformation. With many people now working from home, there has been a massive uptick in cloud adoption.
Read MoreNot all insurance policies cover disruption caused by the lockdown. If your business disruption policy doesn’t specifically cover pandemics/infectious disease, you might still be able claim under more general provisions of your policy, for example relating to the loss of suppliers or key personnel.
Read MoreThe Government has announced a temporary ban on landlords of commercial properties from using statutory demands and winding up petitions for the recovery of rent.
Read MoreThe lockdown will likely lead to an increase in companies entering liquidation. The appointed liquidator might then issue a notice to “disclaim” a lease if it is unprofitable or if it can’t readily sell the property or if it will give rise to a liability to pay money or perform any other onerous act.
Read MoreIf your company is looking to offer a long term incentive to employees, you should consider EMI options.
Read MoreSince our last update, there have been numerous (almost weekly) updates to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Read More“Force majeure” provisions are often over-looked clauses hidden at the end of the contract but have become vitally important in the Coronavirus period.
Read MoreThe government has proposed a package of measures to protect public services during the period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
Read More‘Lockdown’ measures introduced by the government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the enfranchisement sector in a number of ways. Tenants and landlords should obtain advice on their options and the action required because statutory rights and timetables in enfranchisement continue to apply.
Read MoreThe rapid spread of Covid-19 has inevitably posed a significant challenge to the operation of the Court system and access to justice. However, the Courts have reacted quickly to this rapidly changing situation to ensure that a functioning court and tribunal system is maintained.
Read MoreDirectors must continue to consider the interests of employees and stakeholders during this period. Businesses should look at practical solutions to the problems raised by Covid-19.
Read MoreThe new Coronavirus Act 2020 introduced a three month moratorium as of 26 March 2020 up to 30 June 2020 preventing landlords from exercising their right to forfeit either by proceedings or peaceable re-entry for non-payment of rent. This period may be extended.
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