Employment rights if placed in quarantine after returning to UK
September 10th 2020The government has issued guidance on employment rights for people who have to go into quarantine when returning to the UK from abroad. By Joanne Stronach Director and Head of Employment & HR Currently, people returning must self-isolate for 14 days unless they’re travelling from a country with a quarantine exemption. The list changes regularly so it’s best to check before travelling and before returning. The guidance, issued by the…
Court settles couple’s dispute over value of company shares
September 8th 2020The High Court has settled a dispute between a couple who were separating and needed to value the shares in their company. By Mark Aspin Director & Head of Dispute Resolution The case involved Solent Garage Services Ltd and its two directors, Claire Lewis and Philip Clarke. The couple had established the garage while living together and bringing up their three children. They were equal shareholders. Their relationship broke down…
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…
