Blog
Jan 2022
Long-awaited new government white paper finally set out 10-year vision - but there is still some way to go
Following the Prime Minister’s announcements about the social care cap, the government published its first white paper on Wednesday 1st December, outlining its vision for the future. But, was it worth the wait?
Dec 2021
Sunak support provides welcome boost to hospitality
The Chancellor has revealed a package of support worth £1bn to help fund businesses hit by the latest rise in Covid-19 cases.
Dec 2021
Sick Absence and Fit Notes: Temporary New Rules
Some temporary regulations affecting sick absence were published on 16 December 2021 and came into force on 17 December 2021.
Dec 2021
Can my employer refuse my request for Christmas holiday?
My employer has just declined my leave request for some time off over Christmas. The reason they gave was that others had already put their requests in before me and that it would leave them short staffed. I feel this is unfair as I only joined the company recently - is their refusal legal?
Dec 2021
‘Tis the season – for a sickie?
Yes, it’s that time of year again; the flu season. Add the Covid-19 virus into the mix and employers can soon find themselves in the middle of a “sickie” epidemic. But what can you do if you think your employees are just in need of a duvet day?
Dec 2021
What do the government restrictions mean for employers and employees? Can your Christmas parties still go ahead?
Further to the arrival of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, which is said to be "spreading faster than Delta”, Boris Johnson has re-introduced restrictions saying, “It’s now the proportionate and the responsible thing to move to Plan B.”
Dec 2021
When inheritance goes beyond sibling rivalry
Families. We love them dearly - most of the time. But, we’ve seen for ourselves the trials and tribulations of family relationships and written many blogs about unfair inheritance and leaving children out of your will. But, your question is unfortunately one of many - and the sign of a new phenomenon rising through the ranks.
Nov 2021
Stamp Duty Holiday has finished, so why are house prices still climbing?
According to recent figures by HMRC, there was a 25% increase in Stamp Duty receipts in the six months from April - October 2021, compared to the same period in 2019. While the flurry of activity in the market boosted the average house price in the UK, many were surprised that once the Stamp Duty holiday came to an end, prices didn't come down with it - but why?
Nov 2021
If the Chancellor takes your pension pot for IHT you might want to stay one step ahead
It’s fair to say expectations of anything less than doom and gloom from last month’s Budget were pretty standard as we recover from the economic blow that was Covid-19 - and it seems even if you die you have not escaped the Chancellor's notice for an opportunity for taxation.
Nov 2021
Sign a digital LPA - and save yourself 20 weeks!
If you’re about to draft a Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) document, you might be in luck - as the process to sign paperwork and make things official could be about to get easier.