Page 47 - Real Rochdale Issue 17 Spring 2023

legal changes ahead for businesses

MOLESWORTHS BRIGHT CLEGG employment solicitor, Adam Salkie and trainee
solicitor, Katy Dunn reflect on the law and business in 2023 and consider just
some of the changes that could be afoot.

Always mindful of Casey Stengel’s warning to “Never make predictions, especially
about the future,” let’s take a look at what 2023 could mean for business by way of
legal changes.

Underpinning things in 2023 will be the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill.
Time will tell whether the government extends the deadline for this, because if not, the
majority of retained EU law will expire on 31 December 2023.

EMPLOYMENT Protection from Redundancy DIGITAL REGULATION
(Pregnancy and Family
Leave) Bill
It promises to be a busy 2023 This will extend the rights of Difficult challenges lay ahead
in this sector: protection from redundancy for legislators to create a
for women during, or after, a regulatory framework that
Retained EU Law (Revocation protected period of pregnancy. is flexible enough to adapt
and Reform) Bill to constantly evolving
If the government does Carer’s Leave Bill technology. Businesses in turn
not extend the deadline, This will entitle employees will need to quickly get to
key protections under the providing or arranging care grips with understanding and
Working Time Regulations to one week’s unpaid leave implementing new regulations.
1998, such as hours, rest per year, and protection from
breaks and holidays could be dismissal, when taking time off. Significant pieces of
affected. legislation concerning EU
digital regulation to come into
Worker Protection force include:
(Amendment of Equality Act intellectual property
2010) Bill Digital Markets Act
This will create a statutory This aims to prevent
duty requiring an employer to The Unified Patent Court gatekeepers from imposing
prevent sexual harassment of (UPC) should open on 1 unfair conditions on
employees and workers and June 2023. The UPC will be businesses and end users and
also makes the employer liable important for UK companies at ensuring the openness of
for the harassment committed wanting their IP rights important digital services.
by third parties; e.g. service protected throughout Europe.
users, customers and clients. Digital Services Act
It is vital that businesses This aims to provide clearer
Employment Relations holding European patents, or and more standardised rules
(Flexible Working) Bill those that carry out business for digital content.
Employees will have the right in Europe understand the
to request flexible working implications of the UPC as Online Safety Bill
from day one of their well as the opportunities it This aims to improve internet
employment. presents. safety.

REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2023 46 47 REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2023