Read our latest articles, news briefs and legal updates across all our different services.
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
An insurance company has been awarded damages and granted an injunction against a group of employees who left to set up a rival business. The court found that the group had committed numerous breaches of their employment contracts and fiduciary duty. They enticed others to resign and also used confidential company information while still employees.
The number of homes coming on to the rental market because their owners cannot sell them is increasing, according to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). A survey of ARLA members showed that 47% had seen a rise in “unplanned lettings” by homeowners who either couldn’t sell or wanted to wait until the market
The Government says it’s ahead of schedule in identifying publicly owned land that can be used to build new homes. Housing Minister Grant Shapps recently announced that he wants local authorities and Government departments to release enough land for 100,000 homes by 2015. He said the Government had already found enough land for 80,000 homes
The Health and Safety Executive has revised its guidance for employers with staff who work from home. The new guidance relaxes some of the regulatory requirements and recognises that a lot of work carried out at home is going to be “low-risk, office-type work”. In these circumstances, as an employer, you are only responsible for
Home-buyers who turn to the “bank of mum and dad” and increasingly the bank of grandparents to buy their home to prepare for the all eventualities, as generous family members tighten their belts. Many people have no choice but to turn to parents or other family members to help raise a deposit for a house
With the stamp duty holiday for first-time buyers buying properties under £250,000 due to end on March 24, there could be a rush to buy amongst first time buyers. With lending from the major banks still cautious, first time buyers will inevitably turn to other sources, such as family members, for help to beat the
The Government has joined forces with private enterprise to encourage budding entrepreneurs to set up new businesses. The ‘Business in You’ campaign highlights the support available for people wishing to start a new business or develop an existing one. A statement from the Department for Business Innovation & Skills says: “Small businesses are the lifeblood