Construction

Proposed changes to the construction adjudication process are contained in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill.  The Bill has now passed from the House of Lords to the House of Commons, where the second reading is scheduled for Monday 1 June 2009.

Employment Tribunals

Over two thirds of solicitors questioned in recent research conducted by the Law Society, indicated that they favoured the removal of the current £25,000 limit for breach of contract claims in employment tribunals.

Commercial Litigation Costs

A preliminary report on the subject of litigation costs has been published by Lord Justice Jackson.  This report forms the first phase of an ongoing review which has now reached its consultation stages.

Internet Libels

A recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights (Times Newspapers Limited (nos 1 and 2) –v- the UK) has upheld the one year limitation period for internet libels and refused to hold that it is prima facie a breach of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.  Where articles are published and accessed online, there is in effect a separate publication on each occasion the article is accessed.  This results in the limitation period for online publication being effectively extended indefinitely.  The judgment, however, included comment that a significant lapse of time before libel proceedings are brought may well disproportionately interfere with press freedom under article 10.