Public matters: December 2025

19 December 2025

The Procurement Act 2023: 10 months on, how is it going?

As we approach the end of the first year since the Procurement Act was introduced, we explore emerging themes and experiences of the wider public procurement community.

Strategic approaches to managing subject access requests

We explore the challenges faced by public sector organisations in managing SARs effectively and offer practical guidance for developing sustainable response strategies.

Expert evidence in subsidy control challenges: Tribunal draws a firm line

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has recently clarified its stance on the admissibility of expert evidence in proceedings brought under the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

Autumn Budget 2025

Read our analysis of the Autumn Budget 2025. Our team discuss housing and public infrastructure investment.

Welsh Government's £36m development loan scheme

The development loan scheme represents a crucial intervention as Welsh Registered Social Landlords work towards the ambitious target of delivering 20,000 new social homes by the end of the Senedd term.

AI in local government: Key insights from recent training

Our recent training session for EM LawShare members explored how local government lawyers can support their organisations in navigating the strategic, governance and practical challenges of implementing AI.

Managing PFI contractor liquidation

This short guide outlines some key steps contracting authorities should consider in the event of PFI contractor insolvency.

#DigitalFrontiers podcast

Hosted by our Partner and technology law expert Richard Nicholas, #DigitalFrontiers features down-to-earth conversations with leaders from the legal sector and beyond, exploring the human side of AI innovation and digital transformation.

Listen to episode 1 now

Employment updates

The Employment Rights Act: Latest updates

Our lawyers have been tracking the Bill's parliamentary progress and amendments. We've created a host of articles that explain key reform areas and offer practical guidance for employers.

View all updates

On-demand webinar: An overview for employers

Watch our webinar with expert employment lawyers for essential insight into the Employment Rights Bill, including what's changing, when it takes effect, and the practical steps you can take now to prepare your business with confidence.

Watch on-demand

Whistleblowing detriment vs. dismissal

The Court of Appeal in Rice v Wicked Vision Ltd and Barton Turns Developments Ltd v Treadwell has confirmed that employees can bring both automatic unfair dismissal claims under s103A ERA and whistleblowing detriment claims under s47B ERA.

Acas early conciliation period increased from six to 12 weeks

The maximum Acas early conciliation period has been extended from six to 12 weeks (for cases notified from 1 December 2025 onwards) to address increasing demand and case complexity.

Employment Tribunal jurisdiction rules clarified by Court of Appeal

A recent Court of Appeal judgment provides welcome clarification of the impact of a failing to obtain an ACAS early conciliation certificate. Read our case analysis of Reynolds v Abel Estate Agent Ltd and others.

Addressing worker exploitation

Labour abuse reports have surged by over 40% annually since 2021. We take a closer look at how HR professionals and employers are uniquely positioned to disrupt exploitative workplace practices before they take hold.

Worker Protection Act: One year on

One year on from the enforcement of the Worker Protection Act, we review what employers are implementing to ensure proactive prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace.