Article 50 and our trip to Scotland – Newsletter

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Hello!

We’ve got some updates for you.

A trip to Scotland

On 15th August, we’re off to the Scottish Court of Appeal. We’re appealing against the Court of Session’s refusal to refer to the Court of Justice in Luxembourg the question whether the UK can unilaterally revoke its Article 50 notification. Our crowdfunding page can be found here, as well as a full background of the case.

Business secretary to investigate training schemes

As you know, the Good Law Project has been campaigning against so-called graduate training schemes that have trapped thousands of young people. Outsourcing firms have been offering ‘training’ to young people who, after completion, are bound to stay with them for two years on unfair terms. We’ve already caused one outsourcing firm to drop its demand that graduates pay for training if they leave within two years of finishing its training programme. And now the government is taking notice.

In June Frank Field MP wrote to the business secretary Greg Clark to ask if he would “consider a public inquiry into the extent and consequences” of these so-called training schemes. We’re pleased to say that Clark responded, expressing his concern about the treatment of graduate trainees by outsourcing companies. He is now going to examine the practice further.

This is highly significant, but the GLP won’t stop there. FTSE-250 listed FDM Group is continuing this practice of indenturing young people, and we have filed some pre-action disclosure requests. We’ll keep you updated.

Discrimination in the workforce

The GLP is proud to support a judicial review brought by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB). The case involves the rights of 75 outsourced workers at the University of London who are employed by the company Cordant. The IWGB argues that the workers should be able to collectively bargain directly with the university, and that denying the workers the right to collectively bargain is a breach of their human rights. The IWGB’s crowdfunding page can be found here.

News from our director

Our director Jolyon Maugham QC featured on Progress’ podcast where he discussed the GLP’s work, particularly the Uber case. You can listen to the podcast here. Jolyon also wrote a piece for The Times on integrity in the legal industry and pretend clauses in contracts.  

How can you help

To help us keep up the good work, please, if you can, support us financially by becoming a member or making a one-off donation.

Thank-you,

The Good Law Project

@GoodLawProject