CORONAVIRUS - SPECIAL UPDATE FOR EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

3 APRIL 2020

Introduction

With unforeseen political and economic measures being introduced on a daily basis to combat coronavirus, how we live and work in the short and medium term has changed dramatically. Education institutions have been particularly affected, closing their doors on short notice and rapidly evolving their entire working practices to meet the needs of students and staff, as well as dealing with a raft of other issues in relation to the running of schools, and further and higher education institutions.  


To help navigate the unique challenges faced by the sector as a result of these measures, we have provided a roundup of recent articles written for, and relevant to, education institutions.


We plan to send further updates as additional guidance is published.

Key employment law considerations for education institutions

Numerous measures have been put in place in recent days both to seek to contain the virus and assist employers and employees during this unprecedented time. Some of these have particular implications for schools, colleges and universities. This article provides guidance for education institutions on:

  • “stay at home” instructions
  • key workers
  • students in residence
  • carrying over holiday
  • furlough leave

Read more

Contact Daff Richardson, employment partner

Real estate considerations for education establishments

It is almost - if not completely - unheard of, for the Government to intervene in property matters. The pace of change is almost glacial but Covid-19 is turning all of that on its head. This articles covers some of the key points for educational establishments to consider in relation to:

  • boarding school and mainstream FE college residential provision under the age of 18 years
  • over 18 years student accommodation
  • commercial properties – as tenants and landlords
  • construction projects and development
  • practicalities of signing


Read more 

Contact Sarah Coates, commercial property partner

Business risk considerations for education establishments

In these challenging times, it is likely that almost all businesses will face significant difficulties. Those involved in the education sector – whether independent schools, further education colleges, universities, independent providers of further and higher education, or related companies– are sadly likely to be affected.


In this summary briefing note, we flag some of the key legal points that education institutions - and their boards/governors and senior managers - should consider from an insolvency law risk perspective.

Contact Alex Fox, commercial dispute resolution partner

Immigration - Covid-19 response hotline for education providers

Covid-19 is having an unprecedented impact on our daily lives. For education providers this has meant moving from classroom-based learning to remote learning. We have summarised the latest guidance from the Home Office but many questions in relation to international students and sponsor duties still remain unanswered. To assist with immigration related queries for education providers we have launched a dedicated Covid-19 response hotline.

Contact Pat Saini, immigration partner

Contact Hazar El-Chamaa, immigration partner

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