UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR): Core data protection legislation in the UK post-Brexit, governing how personal data must be processed, stored and protected
Data Protection Act 2018: The UK's implementation of data protection laws, working alongside UK GDPR to regulate personal data processing
Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR): Specific rules for electronic communications, including electronic marketing and use of cookies
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Primary legislation protecting intellectual property rights in software, documentation and other creative works
Trade Marks Act 1994: Legislation governing the protection and use of trademarks in business operations
Patents Act 1977: Law governing the protection of inventions and technical innovations
Employment Rights Act 1996: Legislation defining employment rights, relevant when determining consultant vs employee status
IR35 Legislation: Tax legislation affecting consultants working through intermediaries, determining employment status for tax purposes
Agency Workers Regulations 2010: Regulations protecting rights of temporary workers, may be relevant for consulting arrangements
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999: Legislation governing how third parties may enforce terms of a contract
Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977: Controls the use of exclusion and limitation clauses in contracts
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Protects consumer rights in B2C contracts, may be relevant if consulting services involve end consumers
Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002: Regulations governing electronic commerce and online business activities
Electronic Communications Act 2000: Legislation providing legal framework for electronic signatures and electronic commerce
Computer Misuse Act 1990: Criminal law dealing with unauthorized access to computer systems and cybercrime
Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018: Legislation ensuring security of network and information systems, particularly for essential services
Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018: Regulations protecting confidential business information and trade secrets
Competition Act 1998: Legislation preventing anti-competitive practices and abuse of dominant market positions
