The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in the history of workplace safety in the United Kingdom. This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA 1974), a pivotal piece of legislation that revolutionised...
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Avoiding disputes and non-payment in the building industry requires careful planning, clear communication, and proactive measures. Here are some strategies you can employ: 1. Detailed Contracts: Ensure that you have a detailed and legally binding contract...
On 6 April 2024, a subtle but important change took effect, addressing the ways in which a defence (often referred to as a response) may be presented to the Employment Tribunals in both England, Wales and Scotland. Currently, anyone wishing to file a...
Workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality and navigating the legal landscape for compensation can be daunting. This guide aims to provide a clear, comprehensive overview of the process, offering valuable insights into your rights, responsibilities and...
Compensation for discrimination can include both financial and non-financial loss, and in terms of non-financial loss, this will normally include an award for injury to feelings. What are Vento bands? The Vento bands provide guidance to employment...
Employees with less than 2 years service don’t have the full wealth of employment rights that employees have with service beyond that time. This can often leave them vulnerable in the workplace. In particular such employees do not have the right to...
Netflix’s hottest new release The Gentlemen, directed by Guy Ritchie and containing a star-studded cast, has captured the attention of many Netflix addicts! As a solicitor, the series had particularly gripped me with its contentious probate issues. I...
Inheritance challenges and disputed wills are soaring , but it’s not just the high profile, mega wealthy that are fuelling the action. Figures from the Ministry of Justice come against a backdrop of headline-catching disputes such as the case of...
On 1 st March 2024, the ICO published new guidance for employers on sharing personal data during workplace mental health emergencies. The ICO acknowledged that employers may need to share personal information about employees’ health to emergency...
In general, if you have suffered personal injury, you will have 3 years from the date of the accident to commence proceedings in the Courts. This is known as the limitation period. It is the last date in which you can issue formal proceedings with the...
There are big changes on the way for UK company law; with a need for transparency and a better quality register of companies, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 does just that. This is a look at those that will specifically affect your...
When you require medical assistance, you put your trust in the medical professionals providing your treatment. This may be provided through the National Health Service (NHS) or on a private basis. Whilst the care received within the UK is typically of higher...
In an ideal world, a lease renewal will proceed smoothly with the landlord and tenant reaching swift and amicable agreement on the renewal lease terms. Landlords and tenants will be familiar with the longstanding points of contention, such as rent....
The headlines have been filled today with news of the publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) new guidance for employers in relation to supporting those suffering from menopause symptoms in the workplace. The symptoms of...
I came across the news headline yesterday about the ‘employee gift bag’ given out by Avanti West Coast to its female employees of menopausal age. It apparently contained things such as a jelly baby ‘ in case you feel like biting...
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has indicated it will be updating its current guidance and Employment Code of Practice to reflect the forthcoming duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This follows the Worker...
Flexible working laws are due to change with effect from 6th April 2024. The new code incorporates all of the proposed changes to the legislation from April 2024, including reaffirming the 8 business grounds that can be relied on by an employer to reject an application.
Both the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) have openly been critical of the government in its plan to revoke the ban on replacing striking workers with agency workers during industrial action. This runs...
Last week the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) began a consultation on the re-introduction of fees for employment tribunal claims and appeals to the EAT. How Does the Proposed Fee Structure Impact Employment Tribunal Claims and Appeals? The consultation runs from...
Twas the day before Valentines… Back in August 2023 the Home Office announced it would be increasing the penalties applied to employers who employ individuals who do not have the appropriate immigration permission in the UK. No date for...
Employees on maternity leave can often find themselves absent from the workplace for a significant period of time with many taking the full one year entitlement. In addition, as such employees continue to accrue annual leave in this time, many will bolt such...
As the call for return to office working increases in demand, a recent judgment has held that a senior employee could not expect to work from home full time. So, can an employer deny flexible working requests if the role requires some office attendance? The...
Company directors, people with significant control of a company, or anyone who files on behalf of a company, must ensure they comply with new transparency rules from March 2024. Greater scrutiny of information lies at the heart of the new legislation,...
In successful claims for personal injury, the person bringing the claim (the Claimant) is awarded an amount of compensation, also referred to as damages. The aim of compensation in personal injury is to put the Claimant back in the position that they would...
In an era marked by global interactions, the process of registering foreign judgments in England serves as a pivotal mechanism for cross-border legal enforcement. Governed by the Administration of Justice Act 1920 and, in some instances, the Foreign...
It is a common misconception that your next of kin will be able to manage your affairs should you become unable to. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the legal document that you need to make, whilst you have mental capacity, which enables you to...
Changes to Flexible Working Requests The Government has been talking about making changes to flexible working for a couple of years now but has finally confirmed that from 6 April 2024, employees will have the right to request flexible working from day one...
Holiday pay Following the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Harper v Brazil, the calculation of holiday pay for regular and part year workers became more complicated and expensive for employers. The government is overruling the decision and proposes to...
When Suella Braverman was removed from her cabinet post she decided to take a defiant stance, with an open letter criticising PM Rishi Sunak for reneging on promises and calling for a leadership election. It was a defiant, headline-grabbing move and...
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking to protect supermarket shoppers by securing agreements from Sainsbury’s and Asda to stop using anti-competitive land agreements. On 13 June 2023, the CMA published letters that it sent to...
Although a registered title at the Land Registry should be a clear record of all rights and other matters affecting land, there continue to be other adverse interests which may affect property. These are known as ‘overriding interests’ and could...
At the end of September, the Government set out its revised timetable for implementing its much-anticipated requirements for ensuring new developments deliver a 10% biodiversity net gain (“BNG”). In particular the Government announced that the...
As part of our series of blogs around issues relating to the agriculture and farming sector, our latest piece is penned by Lauren Collins , a paralegal in our Agriculture and Rural Affairs department. To round off September, Lauren covers the importance...
National Grid’s five-point plan was launched on 27 February 2023 with the aim of “fundamentally reforming the connections process to make it fit for the future”, including accelerating the connection dates for energy storage projects. ...
What is a right of way? A right of way is a right for a person to pass over land by foot or vehicle. A right of way could be public so that anyone could use it or private so that it is for the benefit of specific people or land. If you have bought or sold...
DEFRA has issued new guidance which should be taken into account by local authorities when considering applications for the diversion or extinguishment of public rights of way. The new guidance applies when the public right of way passes through the garden...
The highs and lows of blame-free digital divorce Divorce applications rose by 20 per cent in the year following the introduction of no-fault divorce, according to figures from the Ministry for Justice. But while the headline process may be easier,...
Managers on the look-out for changes in employment law following Brexit need to prepare for new holiday entitlement and pay calculations. The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 became law in June, setting out how EU-based laws are to be...
Buying a new build property in the UK can be an exciting venture, offering modern designs, energy efficiency, and the opportunity to be the first owner. However, purchasing a new build comes with its own set of considerations and unique aspects that buyers...
When it comes to travelling abroad with a child, parents often have questions about the legal implications, especially if the child has a different surname. In England and Wales, parental rights and responsibilities are primarily governed by the Children Act...
Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Coercive and controlling behaviours a is a deliberate and calculated pattern of behaviour and psychological abuse designed to isolate, manipulate and terrorise a victim. Recognising Coercive and Controlling...
The diagnosis of cancer is one of the moments in life we all dread and hope never to face as the news is not only devastating for the patient but also their families. This can be even more distressing if there has been a delay in diagnosis or treatment as...
As the world grapples with the challenges of increasing prices for energy and climate change, the importance of sustainable energy practices has never been more apparent. For commercial property owners and operators in the UK, navigating energy rates can be...
Conservation areas play a vital role in preserving the architectural and historical character of certain areas in the UK. If you are a property owner within a conservation area, you may wonder about the restrictions and regulations governing alterations and...
Status does not confer special protection when it comes to bullying or sexual harassment Bullying has been hitting the headlines in recent weeks, demonstrating that no matter how high you fly, wings can be burned. It’s behaviour that...
Ed Sheeran has been defending himself in court against claims that he copied Marvin Gaye’s classic Let’s Get it On for his 2014 hit I’m thinking out loud . And while the songwriter had a successful outcome, copyright experts say...
The ‘rent-to-rent’ business model has seen a huge increase in recent years, reflecting the trend for businesses to take over utilisation of assets, like Uber and Airbnb. But for landlords, it has given rise to confusion over the extent of...
Employed, Self-Employed and Workers - How to identify your working status As someone who works in the United Kingdom, understanding your employment status is essential, as it determines your legal rights, tax obligations, and benefits. In the...
With the rise of remote work opportunities and the desire for more flexible lifestyles, many UK employees are considering the possibility of working remotely from another country, particularly during the summer months. However, before embarking on such an...
When a court issues an order, it is legally binding and must be followed by all parties involved. Unfortunately, there are instances where one parent may disregard or breach a court order, causing frustration and potential harm to the child and the other...
According to the Labour Force Survey 2021/22, there were around 59,000 cases of non-fatal work-related injuries within the construction industry between 2021 and 2022. Common accidents may involve: Falling from a height Falling objects Lifting...
Many will have been watching the Government’s consultation on the future of business rates and hoping that any changes made will support the growth of businesses. There was a full revaluation of business rates on 1 April 2023, the first since...
Occasionally, we all slip or trip up whilst walking on a pavement, a road or virtually anywhere. Usually this is fine. You may be embarrassed but you get up, dust off your clothes and move on. However, sometimes, it isn’t that simple. It may be that...
Common law marriage is a concept that refers to a marriage-like relationship between two people who live together for a certain period of time but without actually getting married or registering their partnership formally. This type of arrangement is...
National Pet Month runs from April 1 - May 1 2023, and aims to promote responsible pet ownership. As a nation, we love our pets, and with more than half of households in the UK owning at least one pet, pets are a huge part of our lives for many of...
Almost 12 months ago, I penned a short blog here on our website which was essentially to alert farmers and landowners to changes around Public Rights of Way (PROW) – a complex and often confused area of legislation, especially in rural communities. ...
This year’s Spring statement saw Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in confident mood with jokes aplenty and a promise of bounty in his bucket to fill the holes in the economy. The Chancellor set the scene for his hour-long delivery by opening with the news...
If you are a landlord, you are probably already aware that in order to grant a lease to a tenant the property must have an “Energy Performance Certificate” (‘EPC’) showing that the building has an energy efficiency rating of at least...
Seasonal agricultural work - What you need to know before hiring seasonal workers Seasonal agricultural work is an important part of the UK's farming industry. It provides an opportunity for farmers to hire workers for a short period of time, like...
Endometriosis Month - How should employers be supporting workers with endometriosis? Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women in the UK. March is Endometriosis Action Month, which aims to raise...
Conveyancing can be a long and stressful process, but the work of conveyancers helps to reduce this significantly by taking on many of the more complex tasks. Selling a house can be daunting, and many legal considerations need to be taken into account to...
Buying a house is one of the most significant investments that most people make in their lifetime. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced property investor, the process of buying a house can be daunting and complex. In addition to finding the...
A crack-down by British Airways on social media posting by staff has highlighted the challenge for employers in keeping policies up to date in a fast-moving digital environment. The new guidance from the airline bans staff from posting when they...
Being injured in an accident can cause stress and worry, it only gets more daunting if the accident has taken place at work. It can be overwhelming on what to do next as you struggle physically and possibly financially due to your sustained injuries....
If you or a loved one have experienced medical negligence, you may feel confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. You might not understand exactly what medical negligence is or how to begin making a claim. This article will provide a brief...
The key piece of legislation around director duties is the Companies Act 2006. The Act, which covers a host of legislative areas, imposes the burden of various general duties on directors of UK limited companies. Here in our latest website blog, I want to...
The process of taking a commercial lease can be overwhelming, especially for first time tenants. Some may be at a loss as to what they should be looking out for, both when the general content of the lease is being discussed with the agent and when the...
Do I need to instruct a Solicitor to administer the wishes of the deceased? Not necessarily. However it always pays to take professional advice to ensure you are correctly dealing with the terms of the will and more importantly you are taking advantage of...
When it comes to Inheritance planning there are a number of approaches you can take, but you first need to establish a starting point which is what is your net worth and the type of assets that comprise your asset base. Another important factor is who...
A Power of Attorney or Lasting Power of Attorney as they are known, is incredibly important and can only be entered into whilst you still have the metal capacity to do so. Should you lose your capacity through illness or an accident, it will be too...
If you die without leaving a valid will, your estate (being your property, money and personal possessions) will be divided up in accordance with the intestacy rules. Dying without a Will is known as dying “intestate” which means without...
Those of us with an interest in tax, or a concern for the impact of tax on our estate, will remember a report published by the OTS a few years ago on suggested changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT). I will not repeat the terms of that report here, but suffice to...
It can be difficult to stay up to date on the current tax situation given the number of statements and “mini-budgets” that have occurred recently, all of which have changed rates and allowances. Let us hope that things settle down into something...
Changes to the laws on Marriage and Civil Partnerships are due to be implemented in England and Wales on Monday 27 February 2023. After receiving Royal Assent in April 2022, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 ensures that 16- to...
If you own an underused brownfield site which you do not know what to do with, why not consider turning your property into an energy generation and storage facility? The energy crisis is all over the news, and the recent mini-budget and resulting turmoil...
Clare Lang heads up mfg’s Corporate Division which deals with M&A and other corporate matters; and is also part of the firm’s Restructuring and Insolvency Team, which has been set up across the firm’s teams. In this note, Clare ...
Parental Responsibility and Unborn Children In the UK, an unborn foetus does not have any rights and an unborn baby is not recognised as a ‘legal person’ until birth. This makes attaching parental rights to unborn children difficult. Due to the...
The issue of Public Rights of Way (PROW) has, and always will be, a hugely complex area. Highlighted on what is known as the Definitive Map and Statement (DMS), which was produced by local authorities following the National Parks and Access to the...
There are several “reviewable transactions” which following a company’s insolvency, the insolvency practitioner can investigate and look to set aside which include but are not limited to the following:- Preference payments; Transactions...
Explained - Court of Protection and Deputyship Here in the latest of our Q&A series, Cheryl Styles , a Legal Casework Manager within our Private Client Department, takes time to help explain the role of the Court of Protection, the concept of...
The UK Wills, Probate and Trusts Market Report 2022, produced by IRN Research highlighted a rise in the number of contentious probate, wills, and trusts. The report confirmed that there are now 646 law firms in England and Wales offering advice on...