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13 May 2026
Issue: 8161 / Categories: Legal News , Public , Judicial review
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'Pronounced rise' in claims against public bodies

Claims against public sector bodies jumped in 2025, bucking an 11-year downward trend, research has shown

Some 855 claims were made, up from 576 in 2024, according to Burges Salmon and data analytics platform Solomic’s updated ‘Public Sector Litigation Report’, published last week. The report notes the increase is driven by claims where public sector bodies are defendants. Moreover, disputes are taking years to resolve, although the median time for judicial reviews has fallen across the board.

Tom Whittaker, director at Burges Salmon, said: ‘The 2025 data is a real inflection point.

‘After years of broadly falling volumes, we’re now seeing a pronounced rise in claims. For in house teams and their advisers, the message is clear: be prepared for sustained caseload pressure, and plan for disputes that can run for the long term.’

Issue: 8161 / Categories: Legal News , Public , Judicial review
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Constantine Law—Anita Vadgama

Constantine Law—Anita Vadgama

New senior partner hire at consultant-led employment / regulatory law firm

Ward Hadaway—Emma Swann & Jill Donabie

Ward Hadaway—Emma Swann & Jill Donabie

Firm adds two partners to growing education practice

mfg Solicitors—Lauren Collins, Emily Stancer & Sara Southall

mfg Solicitors—Lauren Collins, Emily Stancer & Sara Southall

Trio of newly qualified solicitors strengthens Worcester office law firm

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One out of two barristers has come under pressure from clients to act unethically, according to the results of this year’s Barristers’ Working Lives survey
The Court of Appeal has held the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) was wrong to set aside a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) decision on unfair pricing of phenytoin, an epilepsy drug
A flagship employment law reform is due to come into effect on 1 July, extending unfair dismissal rights to employees after six months in their job instead of two years
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