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The Government is asking businesses to express their views and concerns about workplace dismissal rules. The move is part of the wide ranging Employment Law Review, which aims to assess the awareness, understanding and the use of the ACAS Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance. The Review will also look at the idea of
When commissioning creative work it’s important to establish in advance who owns the copyright. Failure to do so can lead to disputes and legal action, as shown in a recent case before the Patents County Court. It involved a video producer who asked a cameraman to shoot some video of a skydive over Mount Everest.
The national minimum wage for workers over the age of 21 is to increase by 11p to £6.19 an hour. That is a rise of 1.8%, which is lower than the rate of inflation but higher than the average increase in earnings, which rose by 1.4% in the year to January. The rate for 18
What protection is offered to Consumers at Home? The Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008 came into force in October 2008. The Regulations allow a mandatory cooling off period of 7 days within which the consumer may choose to cancel the sale. The contract itself must
At Machins Solicitors LLP we offer bespoke debt collection services to suit individual requirements. We have niches in a number of specialist debt collection areas including landlord’s service/management fees, consumer finance and business debts. What evidence of the debt do I need? Ideally you will have a written and signed contract. However you may have
When a dispute arises in relation to unpaid invoices people often try to manage the situation themselves instead of seeking legal advice as they are concerned about being charged extortionate fees for a relatively small debt. Although the small claims track in the county court is relatively ‘user friendly’, an incorrect claim form can lead
Fact Sheet: Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 The Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 or TUPE Regulations have a major impact on businesses in this country by preserving the continuity of employment and employment terms of transferring employees. Sarah Liddiard of Machins company commercial department explains some practical implications on
The economic downturn has obliged many businesses to make some of their employees redundant. Firms that find themselves in this position need to take great care to ensure the correct procedures are followed. Failure to do so could result in a successful unfair dismissal claim, as a recent case illustrates. It involved a woman who
Late payment of invoices has become so serious that the Government has set up a working group to help tackle the problem. Ministers also want businesses to sign up to its Prompt Payment Code, which already represents about 60% of the supply chain value in the UK. The Code is designed to encourage best practice and
Timing can be crucial when taking legal action, as one company recently found to its cost. The company had hired a firm of builders to carry out some roofing and cladding works at a new factory. A contract was agreed which stated that in the event of a dispute, no action could be taken after