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The number of data security breaches by private companies has risen by 58% over the last year, according to figures released by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This is in spite of the fact that three quarters of businesses surveyed understand that the Data Protection Act (DPA) obliges them to keep personal information secure –
The Government has put forward proposals to allow more small firms to avoid the need to submit audited accounts – saving businesses in the UK an estimated £206m a year. EU regulations list three criteria by which firms can be regarded as small for accounting purposes. These are: no more than 50 employees balance sheet
The number of employment tribunal claims from part-time workers has surged over the last two years. In the 12 months to March this year, the number trebled to reach 1,600. It’s thought the rise is due to the fact that a large number of employees were put on to shorter working weeks during the economic
A stonemasonry business which was featured on television has been prosecuted after a viewer raised concerns about staff being exposed to dangerous dust. Atelier 109 Ltd from Etton nearPeterboroughfeatured in a BBC2 series called Mastercrafts, presented by Monty Don. Afterwards, a viewer contacted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and said the firm didn’t seem
A firm of surveyors must pay £18m in compensation after giving negligent advice to clients involved in a major property deal. The surveyors were hired by a consortium of developers to assess the commercial prospects of a factory outlet shopping centre. The centre was in a listed building on two floors. The developers acquired the
The renewed interest in buy to let properties is spreading from London to other areas throughout the UK, according to new research. The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) conducted a survey of their members. The results showed that 30% of buy to let landlords in the North East
Debtors may soon have to owe £3,000 or more before creditors can petition for bankruptcy. The current level is £750. The proposal to raise the threshold has been put forward by the Business Minister Edward Davey as part of the Government’s review of debt advice and personal insolvency. It follows a public consultation and call
The changes to the regulations covering agency workers have now come into effect. It means that agency workers who fulfil the same role with a firm for 12 continuous weeks are entitled to the same basic employment conditions as employees. The regulations apply even if the person only works for a few hours each week.
The importance of keeping accurate written records of directors’ dealings and activities was highlighted in a recent case before the Court of Appeal. It involved five directors of a property company that had gone into liquidation. The liquidator began proceedings to make the directors repay money owing on loan accounts and to pay compensation for
The need for employers to have the correct legal and training procedures in place was shown in a recent case in which a child was injured as she walked under a street light. The accident happened as the light was being repaired. The workman detached the reflector to inspect it but it fell just as