Slaughter and May

Today it was confirmed that the EU AI Act will enter into force on 1st August. It was published in the Official Journal, and will automatically become law in 20 days’ time. We have partnered with Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP to produce an overview of the EU AI Act and the practical steps organisations can take to comply. We have also looked at the approach to AI regulation taken by the UK and US. Read more on the EU AI Act using the link in the comments.   #EUAIAct

What is driving the growing interest in the Voluntary Carbon Market and what opportunities can they offer for businesses?   In our 2-part podcast, Samay Shah and Aaron Wu are joined by Amy Merrill, CEO of The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) to discuss this growing interest and the key drivers behind it.   They also cover: • Carbon credit integrity and assessments • VCM interaction with Article 6 • Market reactions to the ICVCM’s work and the science-based assessment process   Listen to the episode now using the link in comments or search for ‘Horizon Scanning Slaughter and May’ on your preferred podcast app. #VoluntaryCarbonMarket #CarbonCredits

The FCA has published the final version of its significant changes to the UK Listing Rules, effective 29 July 2024. Here are the highlights:   • Merging premium and standard segments into a single segment for equity shares of commercial companies (ESCC). • Removing the need for shareholder approval of significant and related party transactions, instead relying on enhanced disclosure requirements. • More flexibility for dual class share structures (DCSS), but limited to 10 years for institutional investors. • Retaining the requirement for companies with controlling shareholders to demonstrate their independent, although a formal controlling shareholder agreement is no longer required.   These reforms aim to make the UK markets more attractive and competitive. Read our summary of the key changes to be aware of using the link in the comments.   #EquityMarkets #CorporateGovernance

We are pleased to announce that we have ranked 16th in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List! 🎉 The list is the UK’s leading ranking of employers that are committed to supporting their #LGBTQ+ employees and the firm received a gold award in recognition of its work to create a welcoming workplace for the community.🏆🏳️🌈 Deborah Finkler, Managing Partner, commented: “It is fantastic to see the firm included in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List and recognised with a gold award. Our priority is to cultivate a high performing and inclusive culture where everyone at the firm feels that they can be themselves at work. It is important that we maintain respect and openness towards each other through our everyday interactions, living up to a principle of fairness in all our people processes and creating communities and spaces for LGBTQ+ staff and allies to come together.” The full Top 100 List can be found here using the links in the comments. #DiversityandInclusion

Pensions Disputes Partners Chris Sharpe and Richard Jeens acted for the trustee of the BBC Pension Scheme, BBC Pension Trust Limited in British Broadcasting Corporation v BBC Pension Trust Limited and another in the court of appeal.   The case, brought by the BBC, concerned the interpretation of the Scheme’s amendment power. The Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed the BBC’s appeal and upheld the High Court’s judgment that the Scheme’s power of amendment protects future service benefits as well as past service benefits.   Read the full judgment using the links in the comments.   #Pensions #CourtofAppeal

Did you face challenges becoming a lawyer? As we wrap up our #SocialMobility series, Nick Bent FRSA (CEO, upReach) discusses how their work supports underprivileged students to access legal careers. Their star initiative, the Law Springboard Programme, provides 1-2-1 mentoring support, work experience and much more.   Chloe Halloran (Associate, Slaughter and May) joins Nick to share her experiences as a mentor on the programme, and her work as co-chair of our SoMo network.   🎧 Listen to the episode now using the link in comments or search for ‘Picture Change Slaughter and May’ on your preferred podcast app.   🔔 Subscribe to the Picture Change show to be notified of future series and episodes! 💬 Let us know your thoughts on the comments below. #EqualOpportunities #GraduateJobs

Congratulations to our fourth cohort of Lead in to Law students, who graduated from the programme 4 July 2024! Delivered in partnership with Rare Recruitment, our Lead in to Law programme supports 20 students over a two year period with #mentoring, university application support and work insight. Thank you to everyone at Slaughter and May for supporting the programme and helping our #students to develop their skills and confidence. To our graduating students – thank you for your commitment to the programme and your enthusiasm, we are looking forward to seeing what you do next. Find out more about the programme and how to apply for the next cohort in October 2024 using the link in the comments. #WorkExperience #LegalCareers

Are you ready for the biggest reform of employment law in a generation?   The UK General Election on 4 July 2024 has ushered in the first Labour Government in 14 years, marking the dawn of significant reforms in employment law. Labour’s 'Plan to Make Work Pay' promises comprehensive change that could reshape the workplace landscape. Key proposals include: • Day 1 Employment Rights • Expanded Pay Gap Reporting • Repeal of Anti-Strike Laws • Right to Disconnect • Expanded Flexible Working These fundamental changes will require businesses to reevaluate and adapt many aspects of their employment practices. In this podcast, Philippa O'Malley and Clare Fletcher dive deep into Labour’s proposals and offer actionable steps for employers to prepare for the change.   🎧 Listen to the podcast now using the link in the comments or search for ‘Slaughter and May Horizon Scanning’ on your preferred podcast app. 🔔 You can also subscribe to our Horizon Scanning channel for the latest updates   #EmploymentLaw #UKElection #NewGovernment #GeneralElection

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 ushers in a new age of consumer protection in the UK. The #DMCCAct introduces significant updates to UK competition and consumer protection laws, with the main provisions expected to come into effect in late 2024. These changes aim to enhance consumer rights and impose new obligations on businesses. Tim Blanchard, Jennyfer Moreau and Amelia Wrigley explore the package of #ConsumerProtection reforms included in the Act and provide insights on how consumer-facing businesses can prepare themselves. Follow the link in the comments to read the full briefing. #CompetitionLaw #ConsumerLaw

Part two of our podcast episode with Sophie Pender is now live! 🚀 Sophie opens up about her new role as CEO and the impactful work The 93% Club is doing to promote #SocialMobility and #EqualOpportunities. She discusses the club's ambitious targets and her vision for a more inclusive future. 🎧 Listen to the episode now using the link in comments or search for ‘Picture Change Slaughter and May’ on your preferred podcast app. 🔔 Subscribe to the Picture Change show to be notified when our final episode of the series is released! 💬 Leave us a comment if you're enjoying this series so far.