Articles
July 2016
Is Your Property Protected Against Fraud?
Author: Caroline Walton
As previously reported, the Land Registry have introduced a service called “Property Alert” which is a free monitoring service for anyone who might be concerned that their property could be targeted by fraudsters who might sell or mortgage it without the knowledge of the true owner. Fraudsters are particularly targeting properties which have no mortgage or charge registered against them, particularly those which are empty or let out.
June 2016
Brexit Impact on Employment Law
Author: Emily Kidd
As we begin the journey to move forward from the vote to leave the EU, we consider the implications for employment law of Brexit.
June 2016
Employer's disciplinary investigation was not an invasion of privacy
Author: Daniella Magennis
In the case of Garamukanwa v Solent NHS Trust, the Employment Appeal Tribunal considered whether it was a breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) for employers to use personal material stored on an employee’s mobile phone in disciplinary investigations against that same employee where such content has an effect on work-related matters.
April 2016
Suspension of Childcare Vouchers During Maternity Leave
Author: Daniella Magennis
INTRODUCTION
Many employers offer employees childcare vouchers under a salary sacrifice scheme. This allows employees to benefit from tax and national insurance savings.
April 2016
Recruiting and Retaining Transgender Staff
Author: Daniella Magennis
On 26 November 2015, the Government Equalities Office issued guidance for employers on recruiting and retaining transgender employees. This new advice has been produced in collaboration with the UK’s leading inclusion and diversity experts, Inclusive Employers, who work with employers to achieve an inclusive culture in the workplace. Correspondingly, the recently published guide offers useful practical suggestions and ideas on how employers can implement new strategies in the running of their organisation to afford more consideration to transgender employee needs; thereby creating an ethos that engenders dignity to all workers, allows every member of staff to feel included and complies with the law.
March 2016
How To Restrict The Activities of Former Employees
Author: Matthew Kilgannon
We often advise clients regarding the enforceability, or otherwise, of clauses seeking to limit the activities of former employees. Most people are of the view that such clauses cannot be enforced, but, if properly drafted; such post-termination restrictions can be enforceable.
March 2016
Protection of IT Supplies
Author: Chris Millar
IT supplies are hugely important for the continuation of many businesses and section 233A of the Insolvency Act 1986 extends the list of essential suppliers to include IT supplies “for the purpose of enabling or facilitating anything to be done by electronic means”. Such suppliers will be unable to terminate supplies or demand existing pre-insolvency debts are paid, as a condition of continuing supplies.
March 2016
When Can Your Child Be Left Home Alone?
Authors: Nicola Conley & Tyne Harman
With the Easter holidays approaching you may be wondering about childcare arrangements and whether your child is old enough to be left on their own. What age do they need to be for it to be safe enough to leave them unattended? In truth, there is no law stating an age when you can leave a child on their own, however it is an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk of harm.
March 2016
Budget Update and Other Employment Law Changes 2016
Author: Emily Kidd
As we digest the effect of today’s budget on our lives, I set out below a summary of the implications for employers.
March 2016
Capital Allowances - Is Time Running Out?
Authors: Caroline Walton and Megan Lawless
Did you buy or sell a commercial property on or shortly after 1 April 2014? If so, you risk losing the right to make a claim for capital allowances (CA) as the two year deadline to make such a claim is fast approaching!