Déjà vu. I think it’s safe to say we all felt an element of déjà vu watching Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s press conference yesterday. How will these new restrictions impact the world in which law firms’ clients and law firms themselves operate? These are questions you should be considering as we head into the New Year. 

Is the freedom of the media being tempered by an ad hoc privacy law?

King Charles has unveiled an ambitious legislative agenda for the new Labour government, while UK wage growth has slowed. Meanwhile, inflation rates remain stable as hotel prices surge, partly attributed to the so-called ‘Taylor Swift effect’, and Amazon workers at the Coventry warehouse narrowly reject union recognition. Read this week’s commercial news round-up to find out more.

Let’s break down the top stories that made headlines in 2023 and consider what you should look out for in 2024.

What is being done about the problems regarding electricity supply/demand in the United Kingdom?

Simon Stephen, legal director at Gowling, opens up about how being honest about his mental health over the years has made for a better working environment.

This week’s commercial news round-up has stories spanning across technology politics and the economy to keep you in the loop and help build your commercial awareness.

The first ever National Paralegal Day took place last week, marked by celebrations held at the House of Commons. 

Lightsource Renewable Energy has recently been granted SRA accreditation to take on trainees, joining a small group of companies in the United Kingdom that offer in-house training contracts.

In a recent report, Shoosmiths found that 82% of in-house senior lawyers expect to increase spending on legal disputes over the next three years.

Some 36 BBC employees are working toward CILEx qualifications through an in-house scheme at the corporation.

How will the recent amendments to the upcoming Employment Rights Bill help to better protect employees?

What opportunities and threats does rising environmental awareness among consumers present for companies?

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s admittance into hospital, in a government briefing earlier this week Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab claimed it is too early to consider how the UK will exit the current coronavirus lockdown. As the UK heads into the Easter bank holiday weekend and nears the end of its third week in lockdown, here are the top news stories from the business and legal world.

How are robotics and automation fated for the retail industry?

Following a campaign by in-house lawyer and blogger Emma Lilley, the Law Society has agreed to trial regional admission ceremonies in a bid to improve access. 

The University of Law has launched a new full-fees scholarship which will fund one student from a low-income household a year through their studies.

A new strategic partnership unveiled between BT and DWF could see in-house lawyers at the telecoms giant move across to work for DWF, a first for the international firm that recently floated on the stock market.

Last week, law firms and legal departments across the country promoted legal apprenticeship vacancies as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Barking and Dagenham Council has become the first council to take on solicitor apprentices in-house.