Nearly half of letting agents surveyed ‘are breaking the law’
October 4th 2019By Natalie Tatton Solicitor Figures released by London Trading Standards (LTS) show that 46% of letting agents in the capital are breaking the law by failing to comply with new regulations. They were fined a total of £1.2m for not displaying their fees or for not being members of a redress scheme. Figures are not available for the rest of the country, but it’s thought that the problem is widespread.…
Cumbria’s first solicitor apprentice celebrates successful year
October 4th 2019CUMBRIA’S first solicitor apprentice has urged others to consider a non-traditional route into law as she celebrates 12 successful months in the role. Holly Moxon set off on a Degree Apprenticeship with leading firm Cartmell Shepherd last year as she pursued her long-held ambition of becoming a lawyer. Now the 21-year-old says she has no regrets about leaving university in favour of a work-based path towards her ultimate career goal.…
Rise in probate fees on hold after recent turmoil in parliament
October 2nd 2019By Sian Rae Solicitor The proposed increase in probate fees has been put on hold due to the recent turmoil in parliament. It’s not clear if or when the increases will take effect. Currently there is a flat fee of £215, or £155 if a solicitor is involved. The government had planned to introduce a banded system that caps the fee at 0.5% of the value of the estate, up…
Pub manager was sexually harassed by ‘jovial’ co-worker
September 30th 2019by Joanne Stronach Head of Employment & HR A pub manager has won a sexual harassment claim after a senior co-worker engaged in ‘poor taste humour’. The Employment Tribunal judge said the case showed that a person’s dignity can be violated even when there is no ‘malicious intent’ on the part of the perpetrator. Ms J Prewett had worked for Greene King for 23 years. She was manager of the Big…
NHS director ‘was not discriminated against’ over religious beliefs
September 23rd 2019by Joanne Stronach Head of Employment & HR An NHS director who was suspended after he made controversial comments based on his religious beliefs has failed with his discrimination claim. Richard Page was a non-executive director of an NHS and social care trust, and held a position as a lay magistrate in the family court. He was a practising Christian and had strong views against same-sex couples being suitable adoptive parents.…
Airport not liable for employee’s ‘racist’ social media post
September 16th 2019by Joanne Stronach Head of Employment & HR A security officer at Heathrow airport was unable to hold his employers liable for a racially offensive image he was subjected to on his colleague’s social media account. Mr O Forbes said he suffered harassment, victimisation and discrimination after fellow security officer Deborah Stevens posted to her personal Facebook page a picture of a ‘golliwog’ with the caption: “Let’s see how far…
Daring challenge for ‘Fab-seiling Four who care’
September 13th 2019Two of them struggle with the height of a stepladder, while the remaining members of the team are in no way relishing the prospect of taking the plunge. But fear and trepidation will not stop this band of brave women from raising funds for a clutch of good causes. The collective group who are ‘Fab-seiling for others’ will abseil down the side of one of Cumbria’s highest fire service training…
Manager unfairly dismissed after locking customer in bank
September 12th 2019by Claire Davies Director A diabetic bank manager was discriminated against after being dismissed following an incident that saw him lock a customer in the branch. Mr B Kuppala was employed by HBOS for 14 years and worked his way up to manager of its Oxford Street Halifax branch. However, due to his diabetes, he made numerous security errors including leaving the keys to the branch in the doors and…
Warning to employers as number of disabled people in work rises
September 9th 2019By Carol Fish Director and Head of Serious & Catastrophic Injury Department The government has warned employers that disabled people should not be considered a burden or prevented from enjoying fulfilling careers. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show that a record number of people have been supported by the Access to Work scheme, with 36,240 having received the grant in the last 12 months. Government…
Ambitious solicitor delighted to join dynamic Cumbrian firm
September 6th 2019LEADING legal firm Cartmell Shepherd has recruited an ambitious solicitor to further strengthen its team. Natalie Tatton joins the UK200 Group business as a solicitor in its dispute resolution department. Natalie, a former law graduate of the University of Cumbria, had previously trained with Brockbanks in West Cumbria at the same time as completing her Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University. Natalie qualified as a solicitor in May 2018. Based…
