Following a tumultuous year for the wider economy, 2019 ended with a decisive result in the general election. Whilst the Recruitment sector faced challenges in 2020, not least of all the planned (but now delayed) implementation of IR35 and some continued Brexit uncertainty, we headed into 2020 with the expectation and hope of stability and economic growth for the Recruitment sector and the UK economy as a whole. Instead, we are potentially facing the greatest economic challenge ever known and no matter what sector you are operating in, we are in uncharted, unpredictable and incredibly challenging territory.
At Mishcon de Reya our priority is the health and wellbeing of all our colleagues, clients and contacts, whilst ensuring that we are available to continue to deliver high quality legal and associated services. We have created a cross-Firm group to answer any legal, practical or operational questions you may have. As such, in this quarter's edition of Recruitment Watch we have included a link to the Firm's practical guidance for COVID-19 where you will find many relevant articles for the Recruitment sector, including: FAQs for employers; corporate FAQs and details of support for businesses through the period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
Whilst March's Budget was heavily focused on reactionary measures to the current crisis, in an article we have examined the recent changes to entrepreneurs' relief brought in at the Budget.
In a separate article we have also highlighted some issues faced by participants of EMI Schemes where a working time directive is not given, and/or a participant is 'furloughed' as part of the government scheme.
Finally, our employment team have written an article on the latest updates to employment law, which came into force earlier this month. Despite everyone's attention being focused on reacting to the COVID-19 crisis, one eye should remain on these important changes to the law.
If there is anything in this newsletter you wish to discuss further, or there is a topic you would like us to cover in one of our future issues, please do not hesitate to contact your usual Mishcon contact or a member of the Mishcon Recruitment Services Group.