Insight Hub

• 15 March 2023
• | Mark Templeton

Right to Work checks for employers – Prime Minister pledges to tackle illegal working

In December 2022, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a statement in Parliament setting out his five-point plan to crack down on illegal migration to the UK and this included a pledge to increase raids on illegal working by 50%. The recent statistics published by the Home Office show there has been a significant increase in Home Office raids and penalties being issued to employers for breaches of Right to Work laws.

• 15 March 2023
• | Douglas McLachlan

The power of brand exclusivity

Much has been said in recent years about the various challenges facing the retail sector. From changing consumer habits driving competition online, to the Covid-19 pandemic forcing shops to close – it is well publicised that the established brick and mortar high street model is under pressure.

• 13 March 2023
• | Musab Hemsi

Employment law is changing – here’s what you need to know

There will be various employment law changes this year – some already defined and others anticipated - and it is crucial to ensure that you’re up to speed in advance of their coming into force. I’ve collated this bank of information so you can ensure your organisation fully comprehends the main employment law amendments that are on the horizon in 2023.

• 10 March 2023
• | Musab Hemsi

Our six top tips for defending an Employment Tribunal Claim

Recent high-profile Employment Tribunal claims (such as the case of a new mother who brought a claim for constructive unfair dismissal and discrimination against Morrisons) have reminded employers of the consequences of getting their HR and employment procedures wrong.

• 9 March 2023
• | Linsey Barclay-Smith
• | John Mitchell

A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Forestry

Scotland’s forests and woodlands protect, enhance, and allow communities to benefit from the goods and services that flow from natural capital. In the past year, commercial forestry values increased by at least 15% with the average price paid for a commercial forest rising by 10% from £3 million to £3.4 million, according to several industry reports.

• 8 March 2023
• | Elspeth Drysdale

How the flexible working movement could shape future employment standards

It has been accepted to be within industrial knowledge that women tend to bear a greater proportion of caring responsibilities for dependants. Prior to the pandemic, there was a presumption towards office-based working in many sectors and requests for flexible working arrangements might typically have been used by women to facilitate them meeting these additional care needs.

• 2 March 2023

Anderson Strathern secures senior talent amid further growth

• 2 March 2023
• | Douglas McLachlan
• | Lorraine Currie

Dealing with Data Subject Access Requests (SARs) and UK GDPR Compliance

The UK GDPR provides individuals with several rights that they can exercise in respect of personal data held by organisations. This article will focus on the ‘right of access’, more commonly referred to as a data subject access request or ‘SAR’. Dealing with SARS effectively remains a challenge for many organisations.

• 2 March 2023
• | Craig McCracken

Unpaid trial shifts – the employment law implications

Unpaid trial shifts have become a typical part of the recruitment process for many businesses across the UK, particularly in the hospitality and retail sector where job candidates are regularly required to complete unpaid trial shifts. Unpaid trial shifts can be a useful tool for employers to assess a job candidate’s ability, particularly where employees are inexperienced.

• 2 March 2023
• | John Mitchell

Route Map for Agricultural Reform

Cabinet Secretary, Mairi Gougeon announced a route map for agricultural reform at the NFU Scotland AGM on 10 February 2023. Last year the Scottish Government announced its “Vision for Agriculture”. It is a support framework to enable high quality food production, climate mitigation and adaption and nature restoration.

• 2 March 2023
• | Kate Bond

Making natural capital work for your community

Natural Capital has been an agenda dominating topic in the Scottish rural land market for a number of years and it is widely accepted that much of the investment required to deliver on the natural capital schemes will need to come from private investment.

• 2 March 2023
• | Adèle Nicol
• | Linsey Barclay-Smith

Do you need a short-term let licence?

In January 2022, the Scottish Parliament passed new legislation as a response to the growing number of Airbnbs and others providing an accessible platform for residential accommodation to be let on a short-term basis. The Civic Government Scotland Act 1982 (Licensing of Short Term Lets) Order 2022 came into force on 1 March 2022 and requires local authorities in Scotland to introduce a licensing scheme for properties operating as short-term lets.