How employers should avoid the naughty list As Christmas approaches, it often brings a sense of fun and festive cheer to a workplace. Annual Christmas parties are often a time for staff to let their hair down, relax and celebrate the success of the...
If you are a landlord, you need to be aware of the proposed abolition of Section 21, as this will have a major impact. The potential abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions signals a significant shake-up for landlords in England. The Renter's Rights...
2024 budget changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR)? Introduction In the recent 2024 Autumn Budget, the UK Government introduced significant reforms to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property...
Initial Response to the October 2024 budget As we analyse the implications of the 2024 Autumn Budget, it’s clear that this fiscal strategy introduces both challenges and opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. It will take more than a...
Yes, you did read the heading correctly! Ms Difolco (Ms D) was employed by Care UK Community Partnerships Limited since 2019 as a care home worker providing personal care to vulnerable residents of Cairdean Nursing Home.On 18 October 2022, she was...
From time to time, and for a variety of reasons, organisations may need to make contractual changes to employment terms and conditions. The starting point is to communicate and consult to bring about a mutual agreement to change contracts. In some cases,...
Keir Starmer caused something of a stir recently when he announced that he wouldn't be working past 6:00 PM on a Friday evening. The indignant opposition immediately seized upon his announcement as a weakness, declaring that it was not possible to be a...
Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice in December 2023 showed that the number of contested Wills in England and Wales has risen by 34% in the last five years. In 2021 to 2022, 195 Will disputes were heard in Court, up from 145 in 2017 and a mere 80...
With the General Election looming, what would Labour do to employment law if they get in? If they follow up on their promises – rather a lot! Labour has pledged to implement what it describes as ‘the biggest upgrade of workers’ rights in...
In my role as a family solicitor, I am often consulted by grandparents who, as a result of some sort of dispute or family breakdown, are no longer allowed to see their grandchildren. In England and Wales, unlike parents, grandparents do not have automatic...
Moving in together? How to protect your assets through a Declaration of Trust In today's society, there is an increasing trend for first-time home buyers to rely on the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’, relatives or friends to help fund their...
New Employment Changes are now in force. Since April 6, employees are now entitled to a week of unpaid leave in a rolling 2 month period under the Carers Leave Act 2023. This leave can be used from day one of employment to care for a dependent with...
Employers embarking on redundancy or restructuring exercises need to be aware of significant changes from 6 April 2024 to UK redundancy rules which give priority protection to employees on maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (SPL). The changes...
Disabled Finance Manager wins unfair dismissal claim against former spouse at Employment Tribunal. Appeal Tribunal determines an individual employee cannot be named or held liable for unfair dismissal In the case of Astha Limited & Ms Chakraborty v...
Preparing for marriage can be an exciting journey filled with endless decisions and to-do lists. Amidst the flurry of wedding preparations and anticipation of the honeymoon, it's easy to overlook the practical considerations that underpin a lifelong...
It has remained ambiguous over which claims can be waived under the terms of a Settlement Agreement entered into between an employer and an employee. Settlement Agreements offer a good solution to a dispute between an employer and its employee. ...
There are a number of statutory requirements in order to make a Settlement Agreement valid and enforceable, namely: • The Settlement Agreement must be in written form with attestation clauses for signature. E-signature attestation is now...
The Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023 sets out that employees will no longer be required to accrue 26 weeks’ of continuous service in order to make a request for flexible working. The right will apply from day 1 of employment,...
If you are going through a divorce or separation, we recommend that you keep a close eye on your finances. You may need to take swift action to ensure that your position is protected, particularly if the breakup is an acrimonious one. When divorcing you...
A Settlement Agreement is a mutually agreeable legally binding document made between an employer and an employee to resolve issues or grievances. It should be entered into by both parties voluntarily and involve discussion and negotiation of the terms,...
We all know of someone who has suffered a stroke, heart attack or been in a car accident that changed their life forever. Whilst many people have a Will, not so many have Lasting Powers of Attorney in place. There is a lot to be said for living in the...
This is a question we often get asked. The family home is often the main asset in a marriage and will be a crucial element of any financial settlement. Of course, it may also be of sentimental value to you if it's the place where you were once happy and...
A Landmark case for Holiday Pay - how to reduce any potential liability as an employer The recent case of Chief Constable of Police of Northern Ireland v Agnew concerning the payment of backdated holiday pay has identified the need for employers to...
No-fault divorce has made it much easier for you to apply for your own divorce and with the current squeeze on living costs it's very tempting to save money on legal fees by sorting it out yourself. We understand the desire to save cost but would still...
The holiday season is upon us, bringing joy, festivities, and, of course, family gatherings. While many of us look forward to the warmth of Christmas celebrations, amongst the happy chaos, the humble dishwasher can become a potential source of marital...
Co-Parenting During the Festive Season & Putting Your Child First As the holiday season approaches, we are surrounded by images promising festive joy and family gatherings around a roaring fire. For some, as anticipation builds, it creates an...
The importance of having a will in place is more crucial than ever, given the recent government policy change effective from 26th July 2023. This alteration in the 'statutory legacy' raises the default amount from £270,000 to...
Embracing Inclusivity and Diversity - Avoiding the 'Karen' Syndrome and Navigating Workplace Challenges The recent suspension of Uber's diversity and inclusion chief over a contentious Zoom meeting titled 'Don't Call Me Karen' has...
Discrimination of any kind should not happen. When it does, employers need to take swift and robust action against the perpetrator. However, what happens when the discrimination is not overt, or obvious, but comes from an unconsciously held bias that...
eharrison@pickerings-solicitors.com The Office of National Statistics reports that dementia is the leading cause of death in England, followed closely by heart disease and pneumonia. As we get older, all too often we put off thinking about the future and...
Did you know the highest award offered for a Tribunal Claim in 2022 was £600,673? Employment Tribunal quarterly statistics for July to September 2022 show a 6% increase in single claims. What would you do if the claim was against your company? ...
Are you getting married this year? What’s on your ‘to do’ list? If you are planning a wedding, you’ll know it can take 12 months or more to organise and involves decisions on everything from outfits and flowers to venues and...
The first working Monday in January is often nick-named ‘Divorce Day’ by the press. This is on the basis that high numbers of couples seek advice about ending their marriage at the start of January, following the Christmas and New Year period. ...
In many respects, sadly not all positive, we will look back on 2022 as a memorable year with the Ukraine war, record heatwaves, Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, death of Queen Elizabeth II, three Prime Ministers, numerous changes of cabinet ministers,...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…or is it? As works Christmas parties are now in full swing, here are some things employers should be aware of and some the top tips for a successful evening. The work Christmas party can be seen as an...
The increased cost of living has led many more people to take on second jobs to make ends meet. What should you know about your employment rights if you are thinking of taking on a second job? First of all, check your current employment contract in case...
The Supreme Court has ruled yesterday that employees that only work for part of the year, such as term-time workers, are entitled to the same holiday pay as colleagues working all year. The appeal in the case of Harpur Trust (Appellant) v Brazel...
Trustees have been under a duty to register trusts with HMRC where there is a tax liability since 2017 using HMRC’s Trust Registration System (“TRS”). However, the TRS has been extended as a result of the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering...
“Half-dead Dave” – a derogatory age-related epithet amounts to discrimination Research shows that the number of Employment Tribunal claims observing Respondents utilising the label “banter” as a justification for alleged...
Peter Brady explains how he helped success bring a claim for disability discrimination for an employee with Aspergers syndrome
Research commissioned by Solicitors For the Elderly (SFE) has revealed that over half (51%) of people living in the Midlands who have a will haven't updated it for more than five years, meaning nearly half of wills made in the area are likely to be...
In the case of Miss R Richardson -v- James Fisher Nuclear Limited, an Employment Tribunal awarded a Claimant the gross sum of £185,000 to compensate her for being dismissed shortly after announcing her pregnancy. Miss Richardson was employed by...
Calling an employee a "good girl" amounts to harassment. In the case of Fricker -v Gartner UK Limited the Employment Tribunal held that calling an employee (who is in their late 30s) a “good girl” and “fat” constituted...
Menopause in the workplace - why is this topic so important? Well, put quite simply, we have an ageing workforce and women are representing a greater demographic of positions. This means that, technically, half of your workforce can be leading up to, or...
Ikea, Next and Morrisons cut enhanced sick pay for unvaccinated employees who need to self-isolate Ikea, Next and Morrisons have all publicly announced big changes to their contractual enhanced sickness policies, directly impacting unvaccinated employees. ...
Divorce Day 2022? The first working Monday in January is often nick-named ‘Divorce Day’ by the press. This is on the basis that high numbers of couples seek advice about ending their marriage at the start of January, following the Christmas and...
A recent Employment Tribunal considered a claim from a woman who refused to return to work for fear of catching Covid-19. The tribunal found that her fear of catching Covid 19 and her need to protect herself and others is not a philosophical belief for...
Employment solicitor Kate Johnson explains how employers should take steps to avoid menopause discrimination in the workplace, and offers advice to those experiencing menopause related discrimination at work.
What happens when things go wrong at the company Christmas party and what does vicarious liability have to do with it? Vicarious liability is a legal principle that can result in an employer being liable for the wrongful acts of its employees. Every...
Menopause related Employment Tribunal cases on the increase. What should employers do to help women in the workplace. Kate Johnson, Employment Solicitor, gives her view...
