

The coronavirus (COVID-19) poses considerable risks and challenges for all sectors, across all regions.
For businesses, the implications range from immediate impacts on business travel, commercial activity and workforces to the knock-on effects on cashflow, debt repayment and covenant compliance, contractual performance, regulatory compliance and legal liability.
On this page you will find our latest insights on the legal issues relating to coronavirus and the actions that businesses should be taking now to prepare.
If you would like to discuss how we can help you identify and mitigate the risks to your business, please contact one of the experts listed below or your usual Osborne Clarke contact.
Osborne Clarke property disputes partner, Kate New, writes for leading real estate title, EG, on the government's proposals to review...
A new vaccine IP waiver proposal has been published by the WTO Director-General following informal negotiations between the EU, India...
Welcome to our Employment Law Coffee Break in which we look at the latest legal and practical developments impacting UK...
Welcome to our latest Employment Law Coffee Break in which we look at the latest legal developments impacting UK employers.
With the Home Office constantly changing its position with regards to how employers may conduct right-to-work checks in the light...
Welcome to our latest Employment Law Coffee Break in which we look at the latest legal developments impacting UK employers.
Employers should consider the new government guidance when updating their health and safety risk assessments and processes
Does a proposed patent suspension backed by Washington open a Pandora's box for vaccine R&D and investment?
As claims and disputes arising from the Covid-19 crisis are likely to increase in the construction industry, will there be...
Will the government's guidance on "responsible contractual behaviour" or good faith come to the rescue of parties in the sector...
With the ability to provide a secure and reliable record of vaccine delivery, the technology is set to play a...
What are the longer-term opportunities and resiliency measures for the construction industry?
In this insight, we briefly discuss the latest government restrictions and what it means for the construction industry. This article...
The pandemic has accelerated the global uptake of edtech as slower UK pace picks up too
Employers need to review pension and life assurance arrangements as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends and the Job Support...
The UK government has set out its Winter Economy Plan, its latest stimulus package which provides more targeted support for...
The chancellor has announced new measures for employers to support jobs when the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) ends on...
As the pandemic continues to affect ongoing contractual relationships, the wording of a contract is crucial to determine whether delays...
As confidence starts to return to the market, fund managers and investors are assessing the financial effects of the Covid-19...
London markets have remained open during the pandemic allowing for a surge in life sciences and healthcare sector deals including...
Regulator's tough stance means that even implicit references to Covid-19 in food advertising will be construed as a medicinal claim...
Further updates issued on the impact of coronavirus on Enterprise Management Incentive options.
Enterprise Management Incentive options may be granted to employees on furlough or working reduced hours due to the coronavirus emergency.
HMRC's first arrest in relation to the government's furlough scheme provides a warning to businesses, particularly given the potential for...
This tracker is a summary of the legal and regulatory developments arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic that will be...
The government's latest stimulus package provides much-needed support for job creation, as well as providing a boost to the hospitality...
What steps should be taken when making a new contribution deferral request? There are important takeaways to draw from the...
Micro and small companies, including start-ups, may benefit from aid; while recapitalisation measures have been modified for businesses in general.
Covid-19 has affected the way in which we all communicate, whether that's working at home, being with friends and family...
The deferral is in line with other Member States' approach to extending the reporting dates for disclosing cross-border tax arrangements...
As the UK's financial regulator reviews emergency guidance amid the easing of lockdown and lending patterns adapt, its £64 million...
The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the global economy and left UK businesses with critical capabilities, such as manufacturers of personal...
On 19 June 2020, the government announced its intention to extend restrictions on forfeiture, Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery and the...
Welcome to Osborne Clarke's Coronavirus Legal Briefing. This edition focuses principally on issues around employees, furloughing, and monitoring and testing.
HMRC has published guidance on various employee tax issues which are regularly arising for employers in connection with the pandemic.
Following the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to 31 October 2020, the government has provided updated guidance...
Medical monitoring and testing plays a vital role in combatting Covid-19, but it is important to remain compliant with privacy...
Which brands and areas of retail will emerge from the Covid-19 crisis ahead and which will have fallen behind?
Many companies are receiving very large payments from HMRC under the job retention scheme, with the government reported to be...
As the government looks to kick-start the economy, employers will need to consider how flexible furloughing and a slow tapering...
As investors turn their minds to a gradual return from lockdown, those with a focus on ESG – and how...
Employers will need to understand and carefully manage their role in the test and trace process, and the potential impact...
The attention of many businesses in the past few months has been on cash management and self-preservation. However, there are...
Companies with longer-term solvency problems have more possibilities to benefit from recapitalisation and obtain subordinated debt following an update of...
Welcome to Osborne Clarke's Coronavirus Legal Briefing, our newsletter on business law issues in these sombre times. In this edition...
The government has published its Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill, which contains important measures for companies that need to hold...
Will the government impose restrictions on the activities of companies which have accessed the UK government's COVID-19 support mechanisms –...
Although governments are beginning tentatively to ease lockdown restrictions, for many, it will take some time before trading returns to...
The Treasury is reportedly considering increasing the cap on CLBILS from loans of £50m to £200m.
Electronic signature platforms have become an invaluable and trusted way to execute documents remotely; in this article we set out...
As the UK government begins to lift restrictions, for many there will be a shift in the operational, financial and...
What can the government's emergency loan schemes offer the real estate finance market?
As the residential property market emerges from lockdown and resumes activity in England, businesses will need to tread carefully to...
Overview and analysis of the new guidance from The Cabinet Office and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority
The government response to Covid-19 raises the possibility that homeworking and the opening and closing of workspaces will be a...
The government has announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will now be extended until the end of October...
In this article, Osborne Clarke's John Cleverly – a former government lawyer and a member of our Regulatory team –...
On 24 April 2020, the English High Court issued a new decision concerning force majeure, which will be instructive as...
Plans to use two international regimes – the Hague and the Lugano conventions – to maintain the UK's status as...
As we settle into the business environment created by COVID-19, it is crucial that companies dedicate their efforts to business...
This tracker is a summary of the legal and regulatory developments arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic which will be...
On 24 April, the government launched a consultation seeking views on how it could relax certain requirements of the Capacity...
Welcome to Osborne Clarke's Coronavirus Legal Briefing, our newsletter on business law issues in these sombre times.
The Covid-19 crisis has had a huge impact on the broadcast industry, disrupting recent trends and shaping regulatory guidance and...
Amid a range of actions to help businesses through the coronavirus emergency, HMRC's new policy on tax compliance raises practical...
What do HM Treasury directions mean for staffing and umbrella companies hoping to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme?
This tracker is a summary of the legal and regulatory developments arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic which will be...
Welcome to Osborne Clarke's Coronavirus Legal Briefing, our newsletter on business law issues in these sombre times.
Antitrust rules have been eased temporarily by the European Commission to allow closer business cooperation – especially for the health...
While stock markets around the world face turbulent times, and major currencies drop in value, it is important that anyone...
Remote mediation will come into its own in the coming months as businesses grapple with disruption in the court system...
Life sciences businesses working on Covid-19 related products may be able to benefit from government funding for a range of...
As the UK economy contends with the coronavirus crisis, affected businesses will want to know when and whether conditions are...
In light of the impact of Covid-19 on businesses and the critical need for additional supplies for frontline staff and...
The UK government's guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was updated on 4 April 2020 to clarify how it...
The latest guidance on the government's scheme for businesses to retain employees and protect workforces takes steps to recognise that...
HMRC issued further guidance on the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) on Saturday 4 April 2020. Some but not all areas...
With many German companies facing a substantial decline in revenues and potential insolvency as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak...
As Covid-19 bites on economic activity in the UK, consumer credit firms are now expected to take steps to help...
Welcome to Osborne Clarke's Coronavirus Legal Briefing, our newsletter on business law issues in these sombre times.
Amid concerns that SMEs were being denied access to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and that a 'squeezed middle'...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF highlights...
The Home Office has published new guidance (30 March 2020) on how employers may conduct Right to Work checks given...
Amid the mandatory closure of bars, restaurants, pubs and others, UK food and drink businesses converting to delivery services need...
Local planning authorities have been urged to be flexible in light of the current crisis, but with many issues outside...
COVID-19 – and the measures governments have implemented to slow the spread of the virus – represent an unprecedented challenge...
COVID-19 is creating new challenges for employers - and employment law.
In light of more guidance on the government's scheme to help retain UK jobs, employers must assess how to take...
What do the COVID-19 emergency measures Job Retention Scheme and Statutory Self-Employed Pay mean for users and suppliers of contractors...
As the impact of Covid-19 prompts businesses to rethink and adapt the ways they work, it is more important than...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF examines...
COVID-19 has affected our world in unprecedented ways. Hardly any industry is spared from the serious economic consequences. Though some...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF highlights...
With 25 March 2020 being a rent quarter day, government intervention to prevent evictions will be welcomed by commercial tenants...
Many clients have contacted us seeking advice on how they remain compliant with the law regarding Right to Work (RTW)...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF highlights...
The coronavirus / COVID 19 is currently not only bringing public life almost to a halt, but also has a...
Osborne Clarke is well known for having many clients and contacts in the staffing, consultancy and recruitment sector and we...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF examines...
As the coronavirus causes the risk of significant economic losses for companies and for citizens across the Union, the European...
Initial details of the government's much-publicised support package has given rise to concerns that a large chunk of UK PLC...
March to May in any year is typically the period during which listed companies with financial years ending on 31...
The anticipated spread of coronavirus across educational institutions, cancellation of exams and temporary closures of universities is set to cause...
As the coronavirus causes significant economic losses for companies and for the citizens across the Union, affected businesses are asking...
With coronavirus now officially categorised by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, businesses will be renewing their focus on...
Where coronavirus causes business disruption, from fulfilment of deliveries to cancellation of events, a common question is whether commercial parties...
Chancellor Rishi Sunak today (11 March 2020) delivered in his first Budget a coronavirus battle plan that promises to keep...
Employers faced with coping with the coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak need to put in place measures to protect, as far...
Osborne Clarke has prepared a report to help clients dealing with the various legal issues arising from the DPCM 8...
The coronavirus represents a unique challenge for businesses playing their part in looking after staff and customers, while continuing to...
Coronavirus-related travel restrictions may cause problems for certain non-UK companies if non-UK-resident directors cannot physically attend UK board meetings.
The coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic that is affecting many countries requires every employer to take the necessary measures to protect its...
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread and the UK steps up its readiness, businesses need to be aware of...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF highlights...
With market pressures likely to lead to many businesses triggering events of default and material adverse change clauses, it is...
The effect of coronavirus has hit the real estate market, lowering stock market values, postponing MIPIM and causing concern across...
What is best practice when a company processes personal data for the protection of its employees against Coronavirus?
Businesses and employer organisations will need to keep going as best they can during the more disruptive period of any...
As the situation in the UK and around the world evolves rapidly, many businesses will be focussed on the immediate...
The risk in the UK of coronavirus (COVID-19) has moved from low to moderate, with 35 cases now confirmed within...
The coronavirus is having a substantial economic impact, disrupting production, supply chains and travel. Businesses need to consider the legal...
The Coronavirus continues to dominate headlines around the globe. On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organisation declared that the...
Osborne Clarke property disputes partner, Kate New, writes for leading real estate title, EG, on the government's proposals to review...
A new vaccine IP waiver proposal has been published by the WTO Director-General following informal negotiations between the EU, India...
Welcome to our Employment Law Coffee Break in which we look at the latest legal and practical developments impacting UK...
Welcome to our latest Employment Law Coffee Break in which we look at the latest legal developments impacting UK employers.
With the Home Office constantly changing its position with regards to how employers may conduct right-to-work checks in the light...
Welcome to our latest Employment Law Coffee Break in which we look at the latest legal developments impacting UK employers.
Employers should consider the new government guidance when updating their health and safety risk assessments and processes
Does a proposed patent suspension backed by Washington open a Pandora's box for vaccine R&D and investment?
As claims and disputes arising from the Covid-19 crisis are likely to increase in the construction industry, will there be...
Will the government's guidance on "responsible contractual behaviour" or good faith come to the rescue of parties in the sector...
With the ability to provide a secure and reliable record of vaccine delivery, the technology is set to play a...
What are the longer-term opportunities and resiliency measures for the construction industry?
In this insight, we briefly discuss the latest government restrictions and what it means for the construction industry. This article...
The pandemic has accelerated the global uptake of edtech as slower UK pace picks up too
Employers need to review pension and life assurance arrangements as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends and the Job Support...
The UK government has set out its Winter Economy Plan, its latest stimulus package which provides more targeted support for...
The chancellor has announced new measures for employers to support jobs when the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) ends on...
As the pandemic continues to affect ongoing contractual relationships, the wording of a contract is crucial to determine whether delays...
As confidence starts to return to the market, fund managers and investors are assessing the financial effects of the Covid-19...
London markets have remained open during the pandemic allowing for a surge in life sciences and healthcare sector deals including...
Regulator's tough stance means that even implicit references to Covid-19 in food advertising will be construed as a medicinal claim...
Further updates issued on the impact of coronavirus on Enterprise Management Incentive options.
Enterprise Management Incentive options may be granted to employees on furlough or working reduced hours due to the coronavirus emergency.
HMRC's first arrest in relation to the government's furlough scheme provides a warning to businesses, particularly given the potential for...
This tracker is a summary of the legal and regulatory developments arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic that will be...
The government's latest stimulus package provides much-needed support for job creation, as well as providing a boost to the hospitality...
What steps should be taken when making a new contribution deferral request? There are important takeaways to draw from the...
Micro and small companies, including start-ups, may benefit from aid; while recapitalisation measures have been modified for businesses in general.
Covid-19 has affected the way in which we all communicate, whether that's working at home, being with friends and family...
The deferral is in line with other Member States' approach to extending the reporting dates for disclosing cross-border tax arrangements...
As the UK's financial regulator reviews emergency guidance amid the easing of lockdown and lending patterns adapt, its £64 million...
The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the global economy and left UK businesses with critical capabilities, such as manufacturers of personal...
On 19 June 2020, the government announced its intention to extend restrictions on forfeiture, Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery and the...
Welcome to Osborne Clarke's Coronavirus Legal Briefing. This edition focuses principally on issues around employees, furloughing, and monitoring and testing.
HMRC has published guidance on various employee tax issues which are regularly arising for employers in connection with the pandemic.
Following the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to 31 October 2020, the government has provided updated guidance...
Medical monitoring and testing plays a vital role in combatting Covid-19, but it is important to remain compliant with privacy...
Which brands and areas of retail will emerge from the Covid-19 crisis ahead and which will have fallen behind?
Many companies are receiving very large payments from HMRC under the job retention scheme, with the government reported to be...
As the government looks to kick-start the economy, employers will need to consider how flexible furloughing and a slow tapering...
As investors turn their minds to a gradual return from lockdown, those with a focus on ESG – and how...
Employers will need to understand and carefully manage their role in the test and trace process, and the potential impact...
The attention of many businesses in the past few months has been on cash management and self-preservation. However, there are...
Companies with longer-term solvency problems have more possibilities to benefit from recapitalisation and obtain subordinated debt following an update of...
Welcome to Osborne Clarke's Coronavirus Legal Briefing, our newsletter on business law issues in these sombre times. In this edition...
The government has published its Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill, which contains important measures for companies that need to hold...
Will the government impose restrictions on the activities of companies which have accessed the UK government's COVID-19 support mechanisms –...
Although governments are beginning tentatively to ease lockdown restrictions, for many, it will take some time before trading returns to...
The Treasury is reportedly considering increasing the cap on CLBILS from loans of £50m to £200m.
Electronic signature platforms have become an invaluable and trusted way to execute documents remotely; in this article we set out...
As the UK government begins to lift restrictions, for many there will be a shift in the operational, financial and...
What can the government's emergency loan schemes offer the real estate finance market?
As the residential property market emerges from lockdown and resumes activity in England, businesses will need to tread carefully to...
Overview and analysis of the new guidance from The Cabinet Office and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority
The government response to Covid-19 raises the possibility that homeworking and the opening and closing of workspaces will be a...
The government has announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will now be extended until the end of October...
In this article, Osborne Clarke's John Cleverly – a former government lawyer and a member of our Regulatory team –...
On 24 April 2020, the English High Court issued a new decision concerning force majeure, which will be instructive as...
Plans to use two international regimes – the Hague and the Lugano conventions – to maintain the UK's status as...
As we settle into the business environment created by COVID-19, it is crucial that companies dedicate their efforts to business...
This tracker is a summary of the legal and regulatory developments arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic which will be...
On 24 April, the government launched a consultation seeking views on how it could relax certain requirements of the Capacity...
Welcome to Osborne Clarke's Coronavirus Legal Briefing, our newsletter on business law issues in these sombre times.
The Covid-19 crisis has had a huge impact on the broadcast industry, disrupting recent trends and shaping regulatory guidance and...
Amid a range of actions to help businesses through the coronavirus emergency, HMRC's new policy on tax compliance raises practical...
What do HM Treasury directions mean for staffing and umbrella companies hoping to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme?
This tracker is a summary of the legal and regulatory developments arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic which will be...
Welcome to Osborne Clarke's Coronavirus Legal Briefing, our newsletter on business law issues in these sombre times.
Antitrust rules have been eased temporarily by the European Commission to allow closer business cooperation – especially for the health...
While stock markets around the world face turbulent times, and major currencies drop in value, it is important that anyone...
Remote mediation will come into its own in the coming months as businesses grapple with disruption in the court system...
Life sciences businesses working on Covid-19 related products may be able to benefit from government funding for a range of...
As the UK economy contends with the coronavirus crisis, affected businesses will want to know when and whether conditions are...
In light of the impact of Covid-19 on businesses and the critical need for additional supplies for frontline staff and...
The UK government's guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was updated on 4 April 2020 to clarify how it...
The latest guidance on the government's scheme for businesses to retain employees and protect workforces takes steps to recognise that...
HMRC issued further guidance on the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) on Saturday 4 April 2020. Some but not all areas...
With many German companies facing a substantial decline in revenues and potential insolvency as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak...
As Covid-19 bites on economic activity in the UK, consumer credit firms are now expected to take steps to help...
Welcome to Osborne Clarke's Coronavirus Legal Briefing, our newsletter on business law issues in these sombre times.
Amid concerns that SMEs were being denied access to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and that a 'squeezed middle'...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF highlights...
The Home Office has published new guidance (30 March 2020) on how employers may conduct Right to Work checks given...
Amid the mandatory closure of bars, restaurants, pubs and others, UK food and drink businesses converting to delivery services need...
Local planning authorities have been urged to be flexible in light of the current crisis, but with many issues outside...
COVID-19 – and the measures governments have implemented to slow the spread of the virus – represent an unprecedented challenge...
COVID-19 is creating new challenges for employers - and employment law.
In light of more guidance on the government's scheme to help retain UK jobs, employers must assess how to take...
What do the COVID-19 emergency measures Job Retention Scheme and Statutory Self-Employed Pay mean for users and suppliers of contractors...
As the impact of Covid-19 prompts businesses to rethink and adapt the ways they work, it is more important than...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF examines...
COVID-19 has affected our world in unprecedented ways. Hardly any industry is spared from the serious economic consequences. Though some...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF highlights...
With 25 March 2020 being a rent quarter day, government intervention to prevent evictions will be welcomed by commercial tenants...
Many clients have contacted us seeking advice on how they remain compliant with the law regarding Right to Work (RTW)...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF highlights...
The coronavirus / COVID 19 is currently not only bringing public life almost to a halt, but also has a...
Osborne Clarke is well known for having many clients and contacts in the staffing, consultancy and recruitment sector and we...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF examines...
As the coronavirus causes the risk of significant economic losses for companies and for citizens across the Union, the European...
Initial details of the government's much-publicised support package has given rise to concerns that a large chunk of UK PLC...
March to May in any year is typically the period during which listed companies with financial years ending on 31...
The anticipated spread of coronavirus across educational institutions, cancellation of exams and temporary closures of universities is set to cause...
As the coronavirus causes significant economic losses for companies and for the citizens across the Union, affected businesses are asking...
With coronavirus now officially categorised by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, businesses will be renewing their focus on...
Where coronavirus causes business disruption, from fulfilment of deliveries to cancellation of events, a common question is whether commercial parties...
Chancellor Rishi Sunak today (11 March 2020) delivered in his first Budget a coronavirus battle plan that promises to keep...
Employers faced with coping with the coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak need to put in place measures to protect, as far...
Osborne Clarke has prepared a report to help clients dealing with the various legal issues arising from the DPCM 8...
The coronavirus represents a unique challenge for businesses playing their part in looking after staff and customers, while continuing to...
Coronavirus-related travel restrictions may cause problems for certain non-UK companies if non-UK-resident directors cannot physically attend UK board meetings.
The coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic that is affecting many countries requires every employer to take the necessary measures to protect its...
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread and the UK steps up its readiness, businesses need to be aware of...
Originally published by our relationship firm BTG Legal, the legal adviser to Osborne Clarke’s clients in India, this PDF highlights...
With market pressures likely to lead to many businesses triggering events of default and material adverse change clauses, it is...
The effect of coronavirus has hit the real estate market, lowering stock market values, postponing MIPIM and causing concern across...
What is best practice when a company processes personal data for the protection of its employees against Coronavirus?
Businesses and employer organisations will need to keep going as best they can during the more disruptive period of any...
As the situation in the UK and around the world evolves rapidly, many businesses will be focussed on the immediate...
The risk in the UK of coronavirus (COVID-19) has moved from low to moderate, with 35 cases now confirmed within...
The coronavirus is having a substantial economic impact, disrupting production, supply chains and travel. Businesses need to consider the legal...
The Coronavirus continues to dominate headlines around the globe. On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organisation declared that the...