In the last two years, the number of children who have had restrictions placed on their freedom has tripled in England and Wales. This includes Deprivation of Liberty orders, which are being increasingly used to detain children in situations where appropriate accommodation cannot be found.

​Employers will welcome clarification that a worker self-isolating because a person in a ‘linked household’ – a household in the same ‘bubble’ - has COVID-19, or shows symptoms of it, is entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP). Previously, SSP was only payable if a worker had to self-isolate because someone in their own household was ill or had symptoms of the virus.

Following on from the 2019/20 annual report from NHS Resolution, which covers up to 31 March, we have seen Claimant legal costs for clinical negligence cases rise by 12.5% over the last year. But these have also risen for Defendants. This rise is partially down to newly recognised GP indemnity arrangements but also an increase in interim payments.

Many survivors of child sex abuse are continuing to have their compensation entitlements through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) reduced as a result of their unspent convictions, a system coined ‘grossly unfair’ by campaigners.

Jodie Wielgus, Partner in Ramsdens Private Client team has featured in Dying Matters Leeds, where she provides a simple guide to will writing.

​The review on Legal Aid has restarted following a pause induced by the impact of COVID-19. Justice Minister, Alex Chalk, informed the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Legal Aid that the review has re-commenced with a plan to publish findings in Spring 2021.

At a time when lockdown is over and restrictions are relaxing we now ask, what is the impact of this pandemic on clinical negligence claims across England and Wales? A QC Mr Nigel Poole has voiced his opinion on this matter and suggested that ‘context is all’ for example our present context will be of great significance when the Courts weigh up whether a Trust or Professional has acted negligently during the pandemic.

​The current Covid-19 crisis has thrown up numerous challenges for all of us, but for some the challenges are far greater. Ramsdens Private Client team have many years of experiencing working with people who have dementia and those who care for them. As we begin to return to normality, or indeed the new normal, we wanted to cast a light on what people living with dementia continue to face every day.