Essential Legal Tips for Business Growth
February 29th 2024Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, driving innovation and creating employment opportunities. However, as a business owner, you are often required to wear many hats, juggling the roles of CEO, financial planner, marketer, and more. During this balancing act, the legal aspects of running a business can sometimes take a back seat, potentially leading to larger issues down the road. At Cartmell Shepherd we understand the unique challenges…
Businesses urged to comply with Alternative Dispute Resolution law
February 27th 2024The Government has urged businesses to ensure they comply with Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) regulations. Mark Aspin Director and Head of Dispute Resolution provides an update. ADR is a process for resolving disputes between consumers and traders that doesn’t involve going to court. This is done by means of putting the consumer and the trader in contact with a neutral third party, with the aim of assisting a speedy, mutual agreement. The Alternative…
Difference between a deed and a contract proves crucial in dispute
February 21st 2024When drawing up business agreements the method used can prove crucial, as seen in a recent case before the High Court. Stephanie Johnson, Senior Associate Solicitor, reports on this recent case. Lendlease Construction (Europe) Ltd wanted to bring a claim against consultancy firm Aecom Ltd in relation to the construction of the oncology centre at St James’s Hospital in Leeds. The issue was whether the agreement between the two companies…
Changes to holiday pay entitlement could save employers up to £248m
February 19th 2024Changes to the way holiday pay is calculated for irregular and part-time workers could save businesses up to £248m a year, according to government figures. Joanne Stronach Director and Head of Employment & HR reports on this recent case. The government says it is exercising its Brexit freedom to change how holiday entitlement is calculated for people who do not work full-time throughout the year. This includes shift-workers, school employees and…
Tenants to get more protection against discrimination by landlords
January 18th 2024The Government has announced changes to the Renters (Reform) Bill to protect vulnerable residents and improve the safety of homes for tenants. Joseph Halvorsen, Apprentice Trainee Solicitor, reports on this recent case. It has tabled amendments to make it illegal for landlords and agents to have blanket bans on renting to people who receive benefits or who have children – ensuring families aren’t discriminated against when looking for a home…
Worker was discriminated against after revealing mental ill-health
January 11th 2024A worker whose contract was cancelled within hours of her revealing her mental ill-health was discriminated against on the grounds of disability. Jennifer Cafferky Solicitor in our employment team, reports on this recent case. That was the ruling of the Employment Tribunal in the case of Ms Zalejska and Cameo Consultancy (Recruitment) Limited. Ms Zalejska was appointed to a 12-week assignment at Principal Medical, based at Banbury Cross Health Centre. The…
Corporate insolvencies increase by more than 60% in two years
January 3rd 2024The number of corporate insolvencies has increased by more than 60% over the last two years, according to the latest figures from the Insolvency Service. Carly Davies, our Debt Control Manager provides an update. They increased by 17.6% in October 2023 to a total of 2,315 compared to September’s total of 1,969, and increased by 18.5% compared to October 2022’s figure of 1,954. The increase was 64.2% from October 2021’s total of…
National Living Wage to rise by more than a pound an hour
December 7th 2023The National Living Wage is to rise by £1.02 an hour from next April, increasing the average worker’s pay by £1,800 a year. Joanne Stronach Director and Head of Employment & HR provides an update. The boost from £10.42 to £11.44 an hour is the biggest increase in the National Living Wage in more than a decade. Eligibility for the new rate will also be extended by reducing the age threshold…
Company loses first attempt to recover £200k ‘paid by mistake’
November 30th 2023A company has failed in its first attempt to recover £200,000 that it claims was paid to a contractor by mistake. Selina Gonzalez Solicitor in our dispute resolution team reports on this recent case. The case involved Bonvilston Vale Ltd v Amser Building Ltd. Bonvilston had hired Amser for a development project. On several occasions, Bonvilston indicated that it would not pay some of the invoices, but later made the requested payment. In…
Proposed ban on no-fault eviction of tenants postponed indefinitely
November 22nd 2023The government has announced that it is postponing its proposed ban on no-fault ‘Section 21’ evictions. Laura Murphy, Paralegal in our Dispute Resolution team provides an update. Ministers say the indefinite delay is needed until the court system has been reformed and updated. The ban would have been one of the central proposals in the Renters Reform Bill, which was part of the Conservative 2019 election manifesto. However, Housing Secretary…
