Government and Public Sector news, July 2025
Legal insights, news and events from DWF's Government and Public Sector team delivered monthly to your inbox.
DWF monthly insight:
How the Procurement Act 2023 assists Contracting Authorities deliver new homes: This article examines the 2023 Act and its role in supporting Local Authorities to deliver new housing. Under the Act, Contracting Authorities are permitted to enter into public works contracts directly, provided the developer owns the land and no reasonable alternative exists. This legislative change addresses previous legal challenges and simplifies the procurement process. View >
New guidance on utilities and exempted contracts under the Procurement Act 2023: The Cabinet Office has published updated guidance on utilities and exempted contracts under the Procurement Act 2023. This article outlines the key changes and their implications for utilities operating procurements in the public sector. View >
Navigating multiple disciplinary and grievance procedures in the public sector: Managing employee relations in the sphere of disciplinary and grievance processes requires employers to balance the requirement to minimise legal risk whilst also implementing pragmatic solutions. In this article, the complexities of managing disciplinary and grievance procedures in the public sector are explored. View >
Navigating bullying and serious misconduct in the workplace: In a recent decision the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) held that the bullying conduct of an employee does not necessarily constitute serious misconduct. The decision highlights the importance of distinguishing between bullying and serious misconduct, especially in the context of a disciplinary process following a workplace investigation. View >
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to build safer workplaces - how can we use AI to transform safety and reduce workplace risk? Workplace health and safety remains a critical concern for businesses and their insurers as they face increasing scrutiny over their duties, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool to transform safety in the workplace. In this article, the use of AI to enhance workplace safety is explored. View >
Pension Schemes Bill 2025 and confirmation of legislative solution to Virgin Media/Section 37 published: In this article, we report on the provisions of the Pension Schemes Bill 2025 along with the recent announcement from the DWP re the Virgin Media cases. View >
DWF announces teaching partnership with Ulster University: In this article, we announce DWF’s new teaching partnership between its award-winning Infrastructure, Construction & Energy team and Ulster University.
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Other news:
Cabinet Office: British industry to benefit from billions in UK Government spending under new plans to protect national security. View >
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: UK Government publishes its Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan to ensure the clean energy revolution is built in Britain. View >
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: The UK’s growing cyber security sector will be boosted by millions in new investment and a new Cyber Growth Action Plan, as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change. View >
Wales Office: Chancellor pledges at least £445 million of rail investment as part of biggest ever Welsh funding boost. View >
Scottish Government: R100 delivered more than 27,000 faster, ultra-reliable connections in a year – exceeding the broadband target. View >
Department for Work and Pensions: Millions of people across the UK will find it easier to manage and get more from their pensions thanks to the Government’s new Pension Schemes Bill. View >
Prime Minister’s Office: Prime Minister unveils AI breakthrough to slash planning delays and help build 1.5 million homes. View >
