Author: Scott Dylan

Labour’s initiative to apply VAT on private school fees has met legal opposition for potential human rights violations, focusing on its impact on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).Legal experts argue the new VAT could exclude SEND students from private education due to increased fees, overburdening the already strained state sector.Sinclairslaw’s challenge, representing a single parent and her SEND child, claims a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.The VAT exemption for children with Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP) covers only a small fraction of SEND students, facing criticism for its limited scope and bureaucratic hurdles.Further…

In an effort to curb fraud, UK banks will soon have the power to delay large payments, enhancing protection for consumers.Starting on 7 October, banks will be able to hold transactions for up to four days if fraud is suspected, extending the current 24-hour limit.This change accompanies a new regime ensuring banks reimburse most victims of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud.Critiques highlight concerns over potential delays in processes like home purchases despite the intended fraud prevention benefits.New guidelines specify conditions under which victims can be denied refunds, aiming to increase protection for vulnerable customers.In an effort to curb fraud, UK…

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally accused Google of anti-competitive conduct in the ad tech sector.The probe highlights Google’s dominance in ad technology, potentially affecting publishers and advertisers negatively.Google’s practices allegedly limit rivals, using its market power to favour its own services unfairly.Juliette Enser from the CMA emphasised the broad impact of online advertising on UK businesses and consumers.Google’s Dan Taylor countered, defending Google’s role in aiding businesses through its ad tools, challenging the CMA’s viewpoint.The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally accused the technology giant Google of anti-competitive practices within the advertisement technology sector. This comes…

Workplace disability discrimination claims are sharply increasing, largely attributed to the current mental health crisis impacting employees.Data from Acas reveals a 30% rise in disability claims, contrasting with a 7% overall increase in employment tribunal claims.Mental health issues are increasingly recognised as disabilities, challenging outdated workplace policies and perspectives.The Equality Act 2010 defines disability broadly, yet many employers remain unprepared to handle non-visible conditions.Enhanced training for HR professionals and management is critical to address and support mental wellbeing at work.An analysis of Acas data, the UK’s workplace conciliation service, indicates a significant increase in disability discrimination claims. While overall employment…

The UK education sector is grappling with a severe teacher shortage, as recent research highlights a growing preference for support roles over full-time teaching positions.Teaching Assistant roles have become the most sought-after in the education sector, with nearly 250,000 applications in the past year alone.Reports indicate an ongoing crisis with over 1,000 vacancies remaining unfilled at the start of August, primarily affecting teaching roles.There is a notable trend of teachers leaving their professions, increasing demand for educational support staff across the UK.Inner city schools, especially in London and Manchester, are experiencing the highest demand for educational roles.The UK education sector…

Employment is crucial for both mental and physical wellbeing in society.While some jobs negatively impact health, rewarding jobs enhance life satisfaction.Workplace improvements can help reintegrate the unemployed into the workforce.Flexible work arrangements like the four-day week benefit employees with health issues.Supporting good jobs can increase social inclusion and economic prosperity.Employment plays a pivotal role in enhancing both mental and physical wellbeing. Statistical evidence supports the notion that moving from unemployment to employment generally improves health, while the reverse deteriorates it. However, this is particularly true for jobs that are seen as rewarding and worthwhile. Such jobs foster social interaction, appreciation,…

The integration of AI into job searching is rapidly transforming the employment landscape in the UK.Since the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022, interest in AI has surged, leading to a significant increase in AI use among UK employees.Around 46% of UK workers are utilising generative AI tools for job hunting and application processes.Companies like Monzo highlight the importance of using AI responsibly, advising against complete reliance on AI tools.The UK workforce is embracing AI, but users are cautioned to ensure AI tools are used to refine and not replace their own input.With the surge in interest following the release…

A tribunal has determined that barristers’ rooms in a legal chambers do not qualify as individual properties for business rates, rejecting a significant appeal led by a prominent tax law chambers.The Pump Court Tax Chambers sought to overturn a decision by the Valuation Tribunal that classified rooms occupied by barristers as a single ‘hereditament’ rather than distinct properties. This classification affects their eligibility for small business rate relief, which would have been possible had the rooms been deemed separate entities. With this decision, each barrister would have potentially benefited from individual relief given that a single hereditament with a value…

The independent fashion sector faces numerous challenges but remains resilient and innovative.Luxury fashion brands such as Gucci and Burberry are experiencing declining sales, influencing consumer spending patterns.Ted Baker has strategically shifted operations to online platforms amidst significant restructuring.Superdry aims for reinvention under the guidance of its co-founder and CEO Julian Dunkerton.The demand for second-hand fashion is growing, prompting retailers to adapt their offerings.The independent fashion sector continues to demonstrate resilience and creativity in the face of significant challenges such as high costs, shoplifting, Brexit, and burnout. Despite these hurdles, numerous businesses within this sector are finding ways to thrive. Consumer…

The UK state pension is projected to rise by over £400 annually, sparking discussion amid cuts to winter fuel allowances.Treasury figures indicate the full state pension may increase due to the triple lock, reaching around £12,000 in 2025/26.Pensioners on the old system could see a £300 rise, with pensions reaching £9,000 in 2025/26.Labour faces criticism for restricting winter fuel allowance to certain pensioners, described as treating them like a “cash cow.”The decision reflects broader debates about supporting pensioners amid economic challenges, with final figures pending release.The UK state pension is set for a significant increase, potentially rising by over £400…