On 1 October 2024, new legal requirements are coming into force to prevent employers keeping tips left by customers in recognition of good service. The new legislation, the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 and accompanying statutory Code of Practice aims to ensure the fair and transparent distribution of tips. In April of this year, following a consultation with stakeholders, the government published the updated Code of Practice. The Code of Practice has legal effect and will be considered by the Employment Tribunal when determining disputes relating to tipping practices.

In the picturesque setting of Loch Lomond, Scotland, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) held its annual general meeting on 2 March 2024. 

A significant decision was taken: the permanent incorporation of concussion substitutes into the Laws of the Game. This change, allowing additional substitutes to manage suspected concussions, marks a crucial development in sports concussion management and reflects the growing body of medical research advocating for player safety. 

Introduction

On 26 October 2023, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCT Act) received Royal Assent. Through a broad range of measures, it aims to strengthen the UK’s response to economic crime, prevent abuse of the UK economy, and support enterprise.

2023 saw a wealth of new health and safety prosecutions. Below we highlight some key takeaways from recent cases that businesses can learn from.

Topics include tunnel systems, wall collapses, and protecting vulnerable employees.

Fines of £14 million in Croydon Tram Disaster

Transport for London (TfL) and Tram Operations Limited (TOL) received the largest fines of 2023: £10 million and £14 million, respectively, for health and safety failures resulting in the Croydon tram disaster. 

The protection of children from online harms continues to be a major focus for governments and regulators alike. We have seen the recent enactment of the Online Safety Act and, similarly, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) continues to push for greater protection for children. 

Introduction

On 26 October 2023 the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCT Act) received Royal Assent. Through a broad range of measures, it aims to strengthen the UK’s response to economic crime, prevent abuse of the UK economy, and support enterprise.