IBM’s $17m settlement for unlawful DEI: How to avoid a False Claims Act violation
The US Department of Justice has reached a settlement with IBM after allegations of a False Claims Act violation due to alleged unlawful diversity, equality and inclusion programmes. The case highlights the risk that firms face when engaged in federal contracts with DEI programmes that the administration considers unlawful. The case was brought under the […]
HE/FE risks £500,000 fines for free speech violations from April 2027
The education secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced the implementation of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 complaints scheme, alongside new regulatory powers for the Office for Students. This means free speech and academic freedom will be better protected at universities and colleges in England. From April 2027, visiting speakers and academics who believe […]
Neurodiversity at work: Your questions answered
Last week we hosted a webinar on neurodiversity in the workplace, focusing on the practical and legal challenges employers are facing as awareness and tribunal risk continue to grow. The session generated a high volume of thoughtful, and often complex, questions from attendees. Many reflected real-world scenarios where organisations are trying to balance legal obligations, […]
This week in Parliament: The Crime and Policing Bill enters its final stages
The Crime and Policing Bill has entered its final and most technical phase in Parliament, with both Houses now resolving the last points of disagreement before Royal Assent. This week’s parliamentary schedule shows the Bill in ‘ping-pong’, where the House of Commons and House of Lords exchange amendments until a final text is agreed. That […]
What’s new in Astute LXP – April 2026 update (v3.5.0)
This month’s update introduces Instructor-Led Training (ILT), alongside a number of smaller improvements across the platform. Instructor-Led Training is now live Instructor-Led Training (ILT) is now live in Astute, with early access currently available to selected clients on the Astute Premier tier. ILT allows you to manage classroom, virtual and hybrid training alongside your existing […]
New annual leave record keeping rules are now in force: Mistakes could cost employers thousands
From 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 has introduced a new statutory duty requiring employers to keep detailed records of annual leave and holiday pay. For the first time, what was previously treated as good administrative practice is now a legal obligation. Employers must be able to demonstrate, with clear records, how much […]
New fire safety rules for residential buildings: what RPEEPs mean for compliance
From 6 April 2026, a significant shift in residential fire safety regulation came into force in England. The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 introduce a new framework aimed at protecting some of the most vulnerable residents in high-rise buildings. For organisations managing social housing, residential portfolios, or mixed-use developments, this is not […]
French court rules firm guilty of financing terrorism in Syria. Is extreme due diligence the answer?
The landmark conviction of Lafarge, a French cement manufacturer by the Paris Criminal Court is a significant case in the history of corporate conduct in conflict zones. This is the first time a corporation in France has been criminally convicted for financing terrorism linked to overseas operations. The implications for multinational firms operating in volatile […]
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina heading back to the FATF grey list?
Bosnia and Herzegovina could be re-added to the grey list this year. In February 2026, the one-year observation period imposed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) expired. This means the country faces a credible risk of being placed under increased monitoring, known as the grey list. The concern reflects a wider pattern of unresolved […]