Meta is close to resolving a major social media blackout that affected thousands of users and the UK rental market continues to see soaring prices. Meanwhile, in Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has been lobbying President-elect Donald Trump to exclude Scottish whisky from proposed US tariffs, while Elon Musk's electric car company Tesla has been pushing the UK government to increase costs for petrol car drivers. Read on for details of this week’s highlights.

This week’s commercial news round-up looks at the latest news from the business and legal world, as the government begins to ease UK lockdown measures and plans to reopen society begin to take form.

This week, like many in the UK, has been a hub for commercial news. We’re taking a look at The Sun’s handling of the BBC presenter story, the junior doctor strike, the coronation’s impact on the economy, Meta’s latest brainchild Threads and ever-increasing mortgage rates. 

Under the influence: why is there a DCMS inquiry into influencer marketing and what can we expect?

From 7 November 2022 until the end of the year, I've been working for free. But I got paid for the work I did for my employer for those 54 days.

Is it possible for UK businesses to profit from the London 2012 Olympics without being official sponsors?

13-17 November was National Anti-Bullying Week 2023. It’s an annual event coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance charity, which aims to raise awareness of bullying among young people. The week emphasises prevention and effective responses to bullying.

What are the key elements of a sports sponsorship deal?

What effect will the decision in FAPL v QC Leisure have on how rights owners license their products in the EU?

How has the landscape of litigation funding changed in respect of recent changes and how will this impact access to justice?

How can parametric insurance complement traditional policies in building resilience against climate change in the construction industry?

How has the courts' approach to non-compliance with procedural deadlines changed since the introduction of the Jackson Reforms?

'Employee', 'worker', or 'self-employed consultant/contractor': why should an employer care as long as they get the job done?

There is currently no unified approach to content moderation on social networking sites; is that set to change?

There are plenty of resources about what employers should do to avoid any pitfalls with Christmas parties, but employees also play a big part in making sure that Christmas parties go well and are memorable for the right reasons. We all play a part in ensuring that we have an enjoyable Christmas party and can go to work with our collective consciences clear!

What are deferred prosecution agreements and how will they change corporate criminal justice in the United Kingdom?

Around 250 million farmers and allies from the states of Punjab, Haryana and many more are peacefully protesting against agricultural reform bills introduced in India last year. This is reportedly the largest protest in human history and the efforts of Indian farmers have been supported all over the UK with rallies taking place in London and Birmingham.

In this post I explain in simple terms why the farmers are protesting and why this is relevant to us.

What new legislation has been implemented recently to address the issues with liability of fire defects? 

What reforms have been proposed for public sector pensions in response to broad economic and social factors?

As Mother’s Day approaches, I thought it‘d be a good time to reflect on my own experiences of juggling motherhood and a career as a solicitor.