The legal and regulatory landscape continues to develop in the United States as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Not surprisingly, the same is true in the United Kingdom and China.
United Kingdom
The UK Government has launched a number of emergency initiatives to help businesses manage the impact of Coronavirus, and it continues to update these measures and widen their scope. In addition, like in the US, UK businesses need to address the unforeseen employment and commercial issues caused by the pandemic.
If you or your company has any affiliated entities or employees located in the UK, you may have questions about the various programs that have been initiated there, as well as how businesses are addressing employment, contract and other business issues. A UK law firm that Brown Moskowitz & Kallen works with, Farrer & Co (Simon Ward, Esq.), has prepared insights into key issues and practical advice in the following areas:
- Employment
- Bank lending and other funding alternatives
- Corporate and insolvency concerns
- Data Protection and Commercial Contract concerns
This Farrer & Co guidance can be found under the COVID guidance hub at: https://www.farrer.co.uk/news-and-insights/?client=Clients+and+Sectors&service=Legal+Services&authorId=0&q=coronavirus,+covid.
China
The Chinese Government has adopted numerous regulations and provided several rulings pertaining to labor and management issues for companies (such as paid leave, payment of salaries, resumption of operations, etc.) as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Various local agencies, trade unions and federations have also issued additional guidance on labor and management issues. In addition, courts and arbitration commissions across China have adjusted litigation and arbitration activities during the pandemic. Further, guidance regarding commercial and contractual disputes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic may be learned from the way Chinese courts viewed similar issues during the 2003 SARS epidemic.
If you or your company has affiliates in China or conducts business with Chinese companies, you may have questions about how businesses are addressing the foregoing issues. A Chinese law firm that we work with, Han Kun Law Offices (Ma Chen, Esq.), has prepared summaries and guidance relating to current labor, management, commercial, contractual and dispute resolution issues in China. Their guidance can be found at: https://www.hankunlaw.com/newsAndInsights/enInsightsList.html.
BMK’s goal in providing these alerts is to pass on information that may be of interest to our clients, colleagues and friends during these trying times. BMK is not affiliated with Farrer & Co or Han Kun Law Offices, and does not endorse the content provided by the law firms. This alert should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own attorney concerning your situation and specific legal questions you have.