Government introduces 6-month notice period for tenant evictions
September 3rd 2020The government has announced that landlords will have to give six months’ notice if they wish to evict tenants who are struggling to pay their rent during the Covid-19 pandemic. Natalie Tatton Solicitor in our Dispute Resolution Team provides an update. It has also extended the ban on evictions until 21st September. The six-month notice rule will apply in all cases except those involving serious issues such as anti-social behaviour and…
Serious accident claims involving cyclists on the rise
September 1st 2020Thinking it over with Carol Fish Director & Head of Serious and Catastrophic Injury… A RISE in accident claims involving cyclists has been the downside of a welcome increase in the amount of people taking to two wheels during the Covid pandemic. Across the board, we’ve seen an overall decline in general claims relating to various types of accidents, which busts the myth that we have a compensation culture. We…
Payment holidays ‘could sound the death knell for some firms’
August 27th 2020Businesses that have offered payment holidays to customers may be damaging their own chances of survival, according to the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM). By Carly Davies Debt Recovery Manager. A survey by CICM of its members suggests that of the 83% of firms who had offered a payment holiday, two thirds (66%) said there would be a negative impact on revenues and profits. Of those, a quarter (25%)…
Furlough Explained: Answering SMEs Burning Questions
August 25th 2020Over recent months the government has announced a number of changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – more commonly referred to as ‘furlough’. From September the government contribution towards wages is reducing from 80% to 70% up to a maximum of £2,187.50 per month; in October this reduces further to a government contribution of 60% up to a maximum of £1,875. From November the government will not make any…
Affordable homes scheme to be extended by a further year
August 24th 2020The Affordable Homes Scheme, which is designed to get more families on to the property ladder, is being extended for a further year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Linsey Hayes Residential Conveyancer provides an update. It’s estimated that the building of 53,000 new affordable homes has stalled due to delays in the construction industry caused by lockdown. The Government is stepping in to safeguard funding and make sure these homes…
A chance to celebrate Cumbria’s amazing SME businesses at prestigious awards
August 21st 2020CUMBRIA has a brilliant business community full of inspiring business people achieving amazing results across a whole range of sectors. Whether it’s in advanced manufacturing or energy, hospitality and tourism, professional services and agriculture, right across the board in a broad range of industries including new and emerging technologies, we have businesses who are always looking to innovate. From young entrepreneurs to established business leaders there’s also a real willingness…
Tribunal ‘failed to consider employer’s needs’ in discrimination case
August 20th 2020The Employment Tribunal failed to properly consider the needs of the employer when dealing with a disability discrimination claim. By Claire Davies Director That was the decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal in a case involving the Department of Work & Pensions and one of its employees, Susan Boyers. Ms Boyers suffered from migraines, stress and panic attacks. She went on sick leave in February 2017. In March 2017 she…
New proposals to improve the buying and selling of homes
August 18th 2020New proposals have been put forward by industry insiders to improve the process of the buying and selling of homes. Elizabeth Crouch Associate Solicitor & Head of Residential provides an update. The Home Buying and Selling Group (HBSG) – made up 120 organisations advising the government – has drafted a memorandum for the “smooth operation of the residential property market in the UK”. The proposals, in what would be a…
SME Outlook Tracker – Your expectations for the next 12 months
August 17th 2020UK200Group Poll: How has your business been affected by #Covid-19? We are now 5 months on from the ‘start’ of the Covid-19 triggered lockdown. The impact of the various measures introduced in this time have affected us all and vary from business to business and across sectors. We would like to better understand the impact on SMEs. It is in this respect that I am inviting you to participate in a…
When “in jeopardy” ruling rescued hospitality business hit by COVID-19
August 13th 2020LAWYERS have won a landmark ruling in an insolvency case of a hospitality business hit by the COVID-19 pandemic which brings new legal meaning to “in jeopardy”. The case, won by the Dispute Resolution team at leading legal firm Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, involved a West Cumbrian business which took two leases – one for a hotel and another for a restaurant. To raise part of the capital the business accepted…
