Author: Scott Dylan

In a decisive move, a tribunal has disbarred a barrister who falsified his curriculum vitae, dismissing claims that the discrepancies were due to dyslexia.The tribunal’s recent decision concerning Yasser Mahmood is a reminder of the importance of honesty in the legal profession. Mahmood’s CV, submitted for an external examiner position at a university, misleadingly stated that he had worked as an employment barrister at Tooks Chambers from October 2010 to December 2012. In reality, he had neither completed pupillage nor held a practising certificate.The Bar disciplinary tribunal examined the details shared in Mahmood’s CV, which claimed involvement in advocacy, case…

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has highlighted a concerning trend where in-house solicitors face pressure to misuse legal professional privilege to withhold crucial information. This guidance aims to clarify misunderstandings and ensure ethical legal practices are upheld.The SRA has issued new guidance to address issues surrounding legal professional privilege, primarily to aid in-house solicitors. This comes as a response to feedback indicating a need for clarity on the matter. The guidance outlines the importance of proper disclosure of information, noting that the misuse of privilege can obstruct justice.Examples have emerged where legal privilege was wrongly asserted merely because a solicitor…

The BBC has announced revised plans for Radio 2 and Radio 5 Sports Extra, incorporating industry feedback.The initial plans faced criticism, prompting a public interest test by Ofcom.Significant changes include a new Radio 2 music extension and a scaled-back Radio 5 Sports Extra schedule.The BBC aims to offer unique music showcases and increased editorial content.The plans reflect industry engagement, aiming to balance public value with market impact.The BBC has unveiled revised plans for BBC Radio 2 and Radio 5 Sports Extra, aiming to respond to feedback from the audio and music industry. This announcement follows a period of criticism that…

The renowned media conglomerate behind several noted local publications and radio has appointed two leading figures in the media industry.Matthew Margetts, ex-Telegraph Head of Business and Finance, joins as Senior Non-Executive Director.Garrett Harte, former Newstalk Editor in Chief, has been recruited as a board advisor.These appointments aim to enhance the group’s strategic growth in print, radio, and digital sectors.The focus is on transforming hyper-local media with an eye towards community engagement and future innovations.The media group, known for the Tameside Reporter, Glossop Chronicle, Oldham Reporter, and Tameside Radio, has recently bolstered its leadership with the induction of two seasoned professionals…

Lloyds Banking Group has collaborated with Scottish fintech Inbest to address the issue of unclaimed government benefits amounting to £23 billion in the UK.Lloyds has introduced a new Benefit Calculator designed to help individuals identify available governmental support.The tool offers a simplified, user-friendly interface requiring only six initial questions.Inbest’s involvement ensured the tool’s design facilitates easy benefit access and management.This initiative is part of Lloyds’ broader strategy to enhance financial tools available on their platform.In a significant move, Lloyds Banking Group has teamed up with Inbest, a fintech company based in Scotland, to tackle the pressing issue of unclaimed government…

Currys is embarking on a significant digital transformation to enhance customer experience during peak trading periods.Electronic shelf edge labelling will be introduced to improve pricing accuracy across 100 stores in the UK and Ireland by the end of the financial year.Digital queuing systems are now available in 298 stores, aimed at reducing wait times for customers seeking assistance.Store opening hours are being extended by 1,800 hours to accommodate increased customer traffic during busy periods.The Order & Collect service has streamlined its collection window from 28 days to 10 days to better serve customer needs.Currys, a prominent player in the retail…

Amid the rising issue of retail crime, Iceland is exploring high-tech solutions.CEO Richard Walker is open to trialling facial recognition in Iceland stores.Walker highlights the need for enhanced legal powers for security staff.Facial recognition is seen as a potential deterrent for professional criminals.The move aligns with broader industry efforts to manage shoplifting.Retail crime is on the rise, prompting Iceland to look into advanced solutions. CEO Richard Walker expressed his openness to trial facial recognition technology in the company’s stores. In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Walker said, “Whilst we don’t yet use it, I will happily trial and use legal,…

Rising retail crime prompts exploration of new security technologies.Iceland boss Richard Walker advocates for facial recognition in stores.Walker calls for enhanced legal powers for security staff.Government proposes changes to shoplifting regulations.Retailers innovate with technology to address increasing theft.With a significant increase in retail crime, leading figures in the industry are reevaluating their security measures. Iceland chair Richard Walker has expressed openness to trialling facial recognition technology in a bid to protect workers and reduce theft. This approach, as mentioned in his LinkedIn post, is both legal and proportionate to the threats faced.Richard Walker has highlighted the limitations faced by security…

Sassy+ North strengthens its Leeds-based Radio News Hub with strategic hires.Ricky Durkin and Dave McMullan join Radio News Hub in pivotal roles.Durkin’s experience spans BFBS Radio, Real Radio Yorkshire and Heart Yorkshire.McMullan brings expertise from BBC Asian Sounds and Radio 4 Today’s Programme.The new Leeds premises aim to enhance the creative community in the North.Sassy+ North has made significant leadership additions to its Leeds-based Radio News Hub, aiming to expand its influence in the broadcasting sector. The creative production company has welcomed Ricky Durkin as the new Head of Content. Durkin, an industry veteran, previously held prominent roles at BFBS…

Retailer Lidl vows to keep prices low despite rising costs.National Insurance costs for Lidl expected to increase by millions.Chancellor’s Budget impacts employers’ NI contributions significantly.Industry leaders express concerns over financial sustainability.A British Retail Consortium letter highlights inevitable job losses.Lidl has pledged to maintain its competitive pricing even as it faces substantial increases in operational costs. This commitment comes despite the looming rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions, which are set to increase from 13.8% to 15% on earnings over £175 a week starting April 2025. The decision underscores Lidl’s dedication to affordability for its customers.Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB’s chief executive,…