Page 19 - BOSS Today Issue 50

DOWN TO BUSINESS BOSS Today #50

t’s been an interesting year to be a our members, but in many ways a really
Ilawyer. The unique combination of positive experience, and we have been
Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have greatly cheered by the feedback that we
created a tsunami of legislation for us to have received from our members.
digest and advise on.
Where legislation might have been a step
too far, the Government also published
a Code of Practice for Commercial
Property Relationships, and Guidance
on responsible contractual behaviour
Brexit has given us a new points-based in the performance and enforcement
immigration system and a settlement of contracts impacted by the COVID-19 Whilst working from home was not new
scheme for European Union Nationals, emergency. Whilst neither of these to us, Zoom meetings and delivering
along with the uncertainty of how the publications have the force of law, they virtual training and webinars has been a
Trade Deal with Europe will work in nevertheless acted as useful reference novel experience. Although we as much
practice. for parties attempting to negotiate as anyone are missing actual interaction
payment holidays or extended terms due and meetings with colleagues, we have
to short-term difficulties. Parties were taken this opportunity to learn new skills
encouraged to be reasonable. After all, that will take us forward, and enable us
landlords need tenants who are solvent, to provide more opportunities for digital
and suppliers need customers who will services for members.
still be in business next year. So, as we look back and take stock of
the huge changes to the legal landscape
Meanwhile most of our focus has been on that 2020 has brought to us, we also
the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. look forward to continuing to advise and
We have seen an unprecedented exercise support our members with whatever
of parliamentary power in the enactment legal challenges they face.
of the Coronavirus Act 2020, primary
legislation that was then followed by Happy New Year from the Legal Team.
wave after wave of secondary legislation We have followed each development and
in the form of Statutory Instruments, have produced comprehensive guidance For any Legal enquiries, please contact
Regulations, and then rules and guidance on the various job retention and support a member of the team. Details can be
from the Government. The effect of this schemes, grants, loans and financial found at http://www.bossfederation.
legislation has been both to curtail our packages as these were announced. com/contact-us/legal
freedom of movement and association The response to the crisis has seen us
in order to attempt to slow down the working more closely than ever before
spread of the virus, and to support with our colleagues in HR and health
businesses and individuals whose ability and safety, and the marketing and
to work and trade have been affected by communications teams. It has been a
the restrictions. difficult and stressful time for us and for

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