New employment solicitor joins law’s firm growing business services team
November 25th 2021A leading law firm has appointed a new specialist employment solicitor to further increase the breadth and quality of support for its growing number of business clients. Jennifer Cafferky, who has worked in employment law for 15 years, joins Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors from national law firm Setfords Solicitors and has previously worked for Cumbria Law Centre as a senior solicitor. She will work alongside Joanne Stronach, who leads the Employment…
Vet assistant unfairly dismissed over her Covid concerns
November 22nd 2021A veterinary assistant was unfairly dismissed after she challenged her employer’s view that the coronavirus pandemic had been ‘hyped up’. Joanne Stronach Head of Employment and HR reports on this recent case. The case involved Charlotte Rendina who worked at Royston Veterinary Centre from January to March 2020. She was dismissed by her employer, Dr White, due to her ‘poor performance’. However, the Employment Tribunal heard that the timing coincided with…
Take extra precaution as the nights draw in …
November 18th 2021AS THE clocks have now gone back and it begins to get pitch black outside before we leave work or to pick our children up from after-school activities, we all really need to start taking extra precaution in order to protect ourselves and others. Thinking it over with Carol Fish Director & Head of Serious and Catastrophic Injury… While we enjoyed that extra hour in bed last Sunday, we must now contend with…
Inadequate online wills could lead to surge in family disputes
November 16th 2021The increasing use of unregulated online will writing services could lead to a surge in family disputes over a loved one’s estate, researchers have warned. Deborah Flynn Director & Head of Wills, Probate & Inheritance provides an update. Online services have become more popular over the last few years, particularly during the Covid lockdown periods. The consultancy firm, Funeral Solution Expert (FSE), analysed 26 online will writers. It found several…
Remember, Remember the 5th of November!
November 4th 2021Bonfire night will shortly be upon us and part and parcel of that includes fireworks. By Carol Fish Head of Catastrophic and Serious Injury. Many people have mixed reactions with regard to the private use of fireworks with some pet owners calling for private firework displays to be banned completely whilst others see fireworks as a great way to celebrate and have fun with family. Some supermarkets have taken on…
Employees to be given day one right to request flexible working
November 2nd 2021Every employee is to be given the right to request flexible working – regardless of time served – under Government plans to modernise working practices. Joanne Stronach Head of Employment and HR provides an update. There will also be a day one right to one-week’s unpaid leave for carers balancing a job with caring responsibilities. Ministers say the changes will make for more productive businesses, whilst accommodating both staff and…
Covenant prevents couple building new house in their garden
October 28th 2021A couple have been prevented from building a new home in their garden because of a covenant dating back 60 years. Stephanie Johnson Senior Associate Solicitor reports on this recent case. Covenants are promises or conditions often inserted into title deeds that affect or limit how a property can be used. They are legally binding on whoever later buys the property unless overturned by a court. The couple in this case…
Employers who withhold tips from workers could face tribunal claims
October 27th 2021Employers in the hospitality sector could face tribunal claims if they are found top be withholding tips from workers, under new regulations being introduced by the government. Joanne Stronach Head of Employment and HR provides an update. The move is set to help around 2 million people working in one of the 190,000 businesses across the hospitality, leisure and services sectors, where tipping is commonplace and can make up a large…
Rise in probate fees ‘must be matched by better service’
October 21st 2021The Law Society has told the government that a rise in probate fees should be matched by improvements to the service. Ingrid Fraser Solicitor in our Wills, Probate and Inheritance team provides an update. The current fees are £155 for professional users and £215 for non-professional users. These would change to one single probate fee of £273 for all applications under proposals put forward by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).…
Director awarded £30,000 after role downgraded during maternity
October 20th 2021A marketing director was discriminated against when she was dismissed for refusing to accept a reduced role and a £20,000 pay cut while she was on maternity leave. Joanne Stronach Head of Employment and HR reports on this recent case. The case involved Mrs S Shipp, who had worked at City Sprint UK for 10 years from 2010-2020. She became pregnant in 2019 and was asked by the director of operations…
