UK Knowledge Collection | Loss of bargain, modern slavery reporting, and uncertain tax treatment notification

The Supreme Court has ruled that damages for loss of bargain consequent on the termination of a contract are not necessarily confined to damages for repudiatory breach at common law if the termination clause also provides for compensation. Our Insight explores the complexities of the case, including the impact on causation principles for recovery and the drafting lessons to be drawn.

Changes to requirements for businesses in annual statements on modern slavery are being introduced in the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which for the first time specifies the content that should be covered in these statements and introduces financial penalties for non-compliance. Our Insight looks at the impact of the proposed reforms and other potential developments in relation to reporting or due diligence obligations.

The government's consultation on widening the existing Notification of Uncertain Tax Treatment by Large Businesses regime closed in June, with its response expected later in the summer. One of the proposals creates a new trigger for notification where HMRC's position is not known and there are uncertainties about interpretation. Our corporate tax experts consider the implications for taxpayers who may be newly in scope of the proposals, and for large businesses already in scope.

Recent Insights

'Loss of bargain' damages recoverable without repudiatory breach, UK Supreme Court rules

The Supreme Court has held that "loss of bargain" damages can be recovered when termination is effected under the terms of the contract, provided that the right to terminate is coupled with a compensation clause.
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UK Immigration and Asylum Bill transforms modern slavery reporting by businesses

Bill proposes mandatory statement content, a new accuracy requirement and financial penalties for non-compliance.
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HMRC consultation signals major expansion of UK uncertain tax treatment notification regime

Proposals for a significant extension of the uncertain tax treatment notification regime would draw individuals, trusts and a wider range of taxes into a compliance framework that has long presented challenges for large businesses.
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Building Blocks: Developments for the UK construction industry | August 2026

This month's edition includes two High Court rulings on building liability orders, new Welsh building safety legislation, updated procedures under the Technology and Construction Court guide for building safety claims, and a government consultation on VAT on land intended for social housing.
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Smart Power | Biodiversity net gain, the decommissioning cliff edge, and defects in energy assets

Legal, regulatory and market insight for asset managers and developers within the green energy sector, including changes to England's biodiversity net gain framework, the impact of subsidy regimes ending, and managing project defects.
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Events

Immigration: Right to Work changes in 2026

9 September | Webinar | 10:00-10:45
Our immigration experts will offer a practical guide for employers using contractors, agencies and platform workers on the changes to the right to work framework coming into force on 1 October.
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Digital Regulation Download | Digital services under scrutiny

14 September | Webinar | 14:00-15:00
Online services are facing a new wave of consumer and child safety regulation. Tighter rules on social media and subscription transparency are evolving, affecting the design and marketing of digital products.
Register now >