Local Authority round-up 16/08/24
15th August, 2024
Our Local Authority round up provides brief summaries of topical information on a weekly basis, to keep you aware of the changes and updates relevant to you.
Commercial
Government invests £32 million in AI
The Government has announced that it will provide £32 million in funding to support 98 new AI projects.
The projects set to benefit from this investment include (among others):
- V-Lab Ltd, which has received £165,006, is set to develop software which offers scenario-based virtual simulations of real construction sites to efficiently train workers on risk assessments and safety protocols. It is hoped that this will increase the UK’s skilled workforce to deliver key infrastructure.
- Hack Partners will lead on the development of an autonomous system which can monitor, manage, and identify defects on rail infrastructure across the country. This seeks to boost the efficiency and safety of the UK’s railway network.
The winning projects are funded through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund which seeks to secure the UK’s global leadership in emerging AI technologies. The projects are delivered through the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, whose support includes access to training and scientific expertise and greater collaboration between businesses and developers.
For more information please click here.
Regulatory
Government launches new National Violent Disorder Programme
Following recent violent disorder across the country, the Government has accounted the National Violent Disorder Programme, which seeks to bring together policing capabilities to share intelligence on the activity of violent groups. It is hoped that this will allow the authorities to swiftly intervene and prevent harm to communities.
It is said that local data will be used to gain a national understanding of where these criminals are operating, including the British Transport Police alerting any spike in train ticket sales that could be linked to organised violent disorder.
The programme will also support the swift deployment of surge teams to forces who need them, for example, when they’re faced with intelligence that suggests organised violence in a particular area.
For more information please click here.
Government set to repeal Strikes Act
The Government has announced it will repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 in an attempt to strengthen the rights of working people.
The formal repeal of the previous Government’s legislation will form part of the upcoming Employment Rights Bill which will be introduced within the first 100 days of the new Government.
The Act sought to balance the right to strike with the need to ensure essential services are available to the public. Minimum service levels were introduced to maintain key services during periods of strike action.
The Labour Government has asserted that minimum service levels have gone unused by employers, serving only to increase tensions. The new Government has advised that alternative mechanisms to solve disputes such as negotiation be prioritised.
For more information please click here.
Events
Webinar: Healthcare Employment Law Update
On Thursday 5th September at 10am, join our employment specialists who will be providing a wide-ranging update on the latest developments and case law in the field. Our experts will also examine the potential reforms that have emerged since the election, helping to clarify the uncertainties that many are currently facing. Additionally, you will be available to answer any questions you may have during the session.
To register your place please click here.
Webinar: Data Protection – The use of private messaging apps at work
Join our experts on Thursday 12th September between 12pm-1pm for the second webinar in our 2024 ‘Data Protection’ series, focusing on ‘the use of private messaging apps at work’.
Our commercial specialists will cover the following:
– Corporate liability for things said and done by employees on private messaging apps;
– Measures to put in place with employees to control private messaging use;
– Private messaging and Article 28 of UK GDPR;
– Private messaging and subject access requests;
– Recent case law on the use of private messaging apps at work; and
– Q&A Session: An opportunity for attendees to engage with our experts and clarify any queries or concerns.
To register your place please click here.
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
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