UK Knowledge Collection | Motor finance, Equality Act ruling, and third party litigation funding
Published on 25th April 2025
Welcome to this week's Knowledge Collection
In April, the Supreme Court heard a much-anticipated appeal in a case that goes to the heart of the motor finance business model, and which may also be relevant to other intermediated credit markets. The Financial Conduct Authority (an intervenor in the case) is keen for the judgment to be handed down as soon as possible to provide legal certainty on the market-wide issues. Our Insight looks at what the current position is, and at the arguments heard by the court.
April also saw the Supreme Court hand down a ruling clarifying the definitions of man, woman and sex in the Equality Act. Our Insight looks at what this decision means for employers.
The European Commission has recently published its mapping study on third party litigation funding, which aims to inform future policy decisions. This coincides with the UK Civil Justice Council's ongoing review of litigation funding, the outcome of which is likely to inform the government's next steps on potential legislation to address issues arising from the Supreme Court's decision in Paccar. Our Insight looks at the direction of travel for the EU and UK in respect of the regulation of litigation funding, which has emerged as one of the most common mechanisms of litigation finance, especially for group actions. Our webinar on 15 May looks at how companies can respond to the rise of private enforcement and group action litigation.
Recent Insights
Employment Law Coffee Break
This edition looks at the Supreme Court ruling that sex, man and woman in the Equality Act refer to biological sex, and also at the pensions and death-in-service aspects of neonatal care leave.
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Supreme Court hears submissions in UK motor finance test case
The FCA would like an expedited judgment on liability and remedies; the court says it may rule in July.
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Third party litigation funding in Europe: is regulation on the cards?
Both the EU and the UK are currently reviewing their positions on litigation funding.
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UK Spring Statement 2025: tax anti-avoidance rules with criminal sanction target staffing supply chain
The government plans to introduce further measures to close the "tax gap" and introduce anti-avoidance proposals. Users and suppliers of contingent workers can expect a more hostile HMRC.
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HMRC's whistleblower reward scheme: what we know so far
A new scheme to reward informants will take inspiration from US and Canadian whistleblower models.
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Upcoming Events
For your eyes only: navigating legal privilege and keep negotiations 'subject to contract' in real estate transactions
30 April | 09:30-10:30
This webinar will help real estate professionals understand key legal principles of legal privilege and ensuring negotiations are non-binding until intended.
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Dipping into Data | A focus on advertising and marketing
30 April | 16:00-16:30
Recent data protection developments affecting the world of advertising and marketing.
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Life Sciences Academy | The new Trump administration and its impact on the life science industry
30 April | 16:00-17:00
The webinar features guest speaker Michael Strazella, co-head of government relations at Buchanan, on policy developments under the new administration and implications for life sciences and healthcare.
Register now >
