News
Father wins appeal over contact with his children
A father has won his appeal against a court decision that he should no longer have supervised contact with his two children.
Levy change could make it cheaper to build your own home
A Government proposal could cut costs for many people planning to build a new home.
Government makes concessions on ‘shares for employment rights’
The Government has made significant concessions on its ‘shares for employment rights’ scheme in order to get it through the House of Lords.
New minimum wage rates include increase for apprentices
The new National Minimum Wage rates include an increase for apprentices.
Surge in unfair dismissal claims to beat fee deadline
There has been a surge in the number of unfair dismissal claims as people try to avoid tribunal fees which come into effect in the summer.
New code to get a fair deal for pub tenants
The Government is introducing a new Code of Practice to ensure that pub tenants are treated fairly and are allowed to run their businesses as they wish.
Surveyors must pay compensation for negligent valuation
A firm of surveyors has been ordered to pay compensation to a finance company for negligently providing a property valuation that was far too high.
Company wins compensation from council for loss of business
A council has been ordered to compensate the owners of an amusement arcade which lost business when a seaside pier was closed for safety reasons.
Government wants to introduce 90-day patent service
The Government has unveiled plans to introduce a 90-day patent service to help creative and innovative businesses
Letting agents to be regulated to protect tenants and landlords
Letting agents are to be regulated to protect both tenants and landlords against unfair practices.
Parents behind surge in living together agreements
There’s been a large increase in the number of couples drawing up living together agreements – sometimes known as cohabitation agreements or ‘no-nups’.
Victim of sexual harassment at work awarded compensation
A woman who was sexually harassed by a male colleague at work has been awarded £12,293 pounds compensation by an industrial tribunal.
Family disputes over wills ‘increase by 700%’
The number of family disputes over wills has increased dramatically, according to research carried out by the Independent newspaper
Prime Minister becomes a ‘Dementia Friend’
Prime Minister David Cameron has become a ‘Dementia Friend’ as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the illness and the traumas it can cause.
Father granted parental responsibility for his son
A father has been granted parental responsibility for his son despite being denied direct contact with the boy. The Court of Appeal held that the two issues should be dealt with separately.
Divorce settlement acknowledges husband’s extra contribution
Courts usually try to share marital assets equally during divorce settlements, but what happens if some assets don’t become available until several years after the separation?
Homeowner compensated after house purchase falls through
A buyer who pulled out of a house purchase has been ordered to pay compensation for the fall in value that took place in the two years after the deal fell through.
Budget offers two schemes to help homebuyers
Chancellor George Osborne has announced two new schemes designed to help potential homebuyers who can afford to pay a mortgage but find it difficult to raise a large deposit.
New measures to improve and simplify employment tribunals
The Government has announced new measures designed to simplify and improve the employment tribunal system.
Maternity discrimination ‘still a major problem in the workplace’
Discrimination against mothers and pregnant women is still a major problem in the workplace, according to research by the charity, Working Families.
Company stops former employee soliciting its clients
A company has been granted an interim injunction to prevent a former employee from soliciting its clients.
Businesses ‘overestimate burden’ of employment law
Many businesses overestimate the burden placed on them by employment regulations, according to Government research.
Distributor must pay damages for breach of contract
A distribution company has been ordered to pay damages to a perfume manufacturer after it failed to meet several requirements of a longstanding contract.
Negligent contractors liable for damages despite client’s failings
A contractor has been found liable for the damage caused by a factory fire even though the client was partly responsible for what happened.
SMEs struggling with cash flow and using up reserves
Many UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are struggling with cash flow and are relying on their reserves to finance growth, according to new research.
Confusion over IT contract renewal proves costly
When drawing up contracts with automatic renewal clauses it is important to ensure that you fully understand what is being agreed.
Thousands of businesses ‘being freed from red tape’
The Government says thousands of firms are being freed from red tape as result of its campaign to reduce business regulations.
Homeowner granted declaration asserting right to light
A homeowner who objected to proposed building work next to his property has been granted a court declaration asserting his right to light.
Woman awarded £42,000 compensation after falling from bus
An 88-year-old woman who fell backwards from a bus when the doors started to close on her unexpectedly has been awarded £42,000 compensation.
Mother wins appeal over residence order for daughter
A mother has won her appeal against a court order which meant that her five-year-old daughter would no longer be able to live with her.
House sales rise as number of first time buyers hits 5-year high
The number of first-time buyers in the property market has reached a five-year high, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders.
Lasting Powers of Attorney: time to ‘abolish waiting period’
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) provide an excellent way for people to protect their interests in case their health or mental capacity deteriorates at some point in the future.
Divorcing couples urged to use mediation to reach settlement
Divorcing couples are being urged to use mediation to resolve disagreements instead of going to court.
Bullied shop worker awarded compensation for harassment
A shop assistant who suffered psychiatric damage and attempted to commit suicide after being bullied by her manager has been awarded £13,565 compensation.
Trust changes mean parents ‘may have to rewrite their wills’
Government proposals relating to trusts mean that thousands of people may have to rewrite their wills to protect the interests of their children, the Law Society has warned.
Woman’s will overturned because of ‘undue influence’
When you draw up your will, it should reflect your true wishes and not be unduly influenced by other people
Pregnant woman with learning difficulties ‘can make choices’
A woman with learning difficulties is capable of deciding for herself whether to continue with her pregnancy, the Court of Protection has ruled.
Judge says law is unfair as woman cohabitant is left penniless
A leading judge has criticised property laws which he says can be unfair to unmarried women when they separate from their partners.
Husband jailed for failing to disclose assets in divorce case
A businessman has been jailed for persistently failing to provide details about his finances during his divorce case.
Part-exchange offer to help buyers move to new home
The Government’s NewBuy scheme is now offering part-exchange deals to enable homeowners to take the next step on the property ladder.
Musician receives £73,000 compensation for unfair dismissal
A musician who said he’d been subjected to harassment and bullying at work for several years has been awarded £73,000 compensation for unfair dismissal.
Awards for unfair dismissal to be limited to one year’s salary
The Government has announced that awards for unfair dismissal are to be limited to one year’s salary. However, the overall cap will remain at £72,300.
Big companies face naming and shaming over Prompt Payment Code
A Government minister has warned Britain’s top companies that they will be named and shamed if they fail to sign up to the Prompt Payment Code.
Surveyor found negligent when providing ‘tick box’ valuations
The danger of tick box valuations was highlighted in a recent professional negligence case involving a firm of property surveyors
Help for small firms hit by unfair business practices
The Government has announced new proposals to make it easier for consumers and small firms to take action against unfair business practices.
Only tax advice from lawyers is ‘protected from disclosure’
When you consult a solicitor, your conversations and the advice you receive are covered by legal professional privilege. This means all your communications are confidential and protected from disclosure – even to official bodies like HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Estate agents fined for breaching money laundering regulations
An estate agents firm has been fined nearly £12,000 for failing to comply with anti-money laundering regulations
Glass manufacturer granted injunction to protect design rights
A glass manufacturer has been granted an interim injunction to protect the design of its beer glasses.
New development rights to convert offices into homes
The Government is introducing new permitted development rights to allow offices to be converted into homes without the need for planning permission
Landlord of unlicensed HMO has penalties reduced
A landlord has won his appeal against the level of penalties imposed on him for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
Views sought on changes to Inheritance Tax regulations
The Government is seeking views on its plans to alter some Inheritance Tax (IHT) regulations in April.
New Year resolutions: get the law on your side
It’s traditional to make resolutions to improve our lives at the start of a new year. Usually it’s to do with things like eating less or exercising more. However, lifestyle resolutions are not the only way you can improve matters for yourself and your family.
Supreme Court to rule on controversial divorce case
The Supreme Court is to hear the controversial divorce case involving the oil tycoon Michael Prest and his former wife.
New guide on Right to Buy scheme for council tenants
The Leasehold Advisory Service has provided a detailed guide for council tenants who would like to buy their home.
McDonald’s worker compensated after ‘McFlurry sacking’
A McDonald’s worker who was sacked for serving an “over generous” topping of chocolate on a dessert has accepted a four-figure out-of-court settlement in compensation
Agency wins case against former employee’s rival business
A model agency has won its case against a former employee who defrauded it of £21,000 and disclosed some of its confidential information while helping to set up a rival business.
Small and medium-sized enterprises reliant on overdrafts
Nine out of ten small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) say they would quickly go out of business if they didn’t have access to an overdraft, according to a recent survey.
Director faced with prison after defying court orders
A director has been given a 28-day suspended prison sentence after defying court orders during a dispute with another company
New adjudicator to protect supermarket suppliers
There’s to be a new Groceries Code Adjudicator with increased powers to protect supermarket suppliers from unfair practices.
Premium 90-day patent application service to be introduced
Businesses will soon be able to use a new 90-day premium service when applying for patents.
Planning permissions for new homes up by a third
Planning permissions for new homes rose by 36% in the third quarter of last year, according to figures released by the Home Builders Federation (HBF).
Commercial tenant fails to exercise break clause correctly
The courts are seeing an increasing number of disputes between landlords and commercial tenants over break clauses.
Son fails to overturn his mother’s will
The value of having your will properly drawn up by a solicitor was highlighted in a recent case before the courts.
Alcohol dependent father loses contact with his children
An alcoholic father has been told by a judge that he can have no direct contact with his two children.
Reductions in asking prices for homes at a two-year low
The number of homes for sale which have had their prices reduced from the original valuation is at a two-year low, according to the property website, Zoopla.
Manager wrongly demoted after posting comments on Facebook
A company manager has won a breach of contract action against his employer after he was demoted for posting a comment on Facebook.
Tribunal says 12-month contract was short- term and outside of TUPE
A bus company has lost its appeal against an employment tribunal ruling that its 12-month contract with a local authority should not be subject to the TUPE Regulations 2006 (TUPE).
Mums and dads will be able to share a year’s parental leave
Parents of new born babies will be able to share up to a year’s leave from work under new reforms being put forward by the Government.
Licensees and retailers invited to comment on alcohol clampdown
The Government has begun a public consultation on its plans to clamp down on “binge drinking and alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour”.
Homeowner in neighbour dispute fined for contempt of court
A homeowner has been fined for contempt of court after failing to obey an order relating to a dispute with a neighbour.
Firms paying bills quicker – even big companies behaving better
Figures released by the credit reference agency, Experian, show that companies in the UK paid their bills 1.3 days earlier in the third quarter of 2012 than they did during the same period in 2011.
One in, two out plan to cut red tape for business
The Government has announced a new blitz on bureaucracy that should see red tape slashed at twice the present rate.
Council fined £120,000 for data protection breach
Complying with data protection regulations remains a problem for many companies and organisations.
Firm awarded compensation after director breached his duties
A director has been ordered to pay compensation to his former company after breaching his legal duties.
Failure to specify currency exchange rate proves costly
When drawing up contracts of sale across different countries it is essential to specify in advance the currency and exchange rate to be used.
Government to cut red tape on home improvements
The Government is to introduce new measures designed to make it easier for homeowners to make improvements to their properties.
Landlord faces maximum penalty for tenancy deposit failures
The Court of Appeal has imposed the maximum penalty possible on a landlord who failed to comply fully with the requirements of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
Man challenges his uncle’s will to inherit house
A man has won the right to inherit his uncle’s house even though he had been written out of the will.
Sudden rise in court disputes over children
There’s been a sudden rise in the number of estranged couples taking court action in disputes over their children, according to the latest official figures.
Couples are hiding ‘£41billion debt from each other’
Many British couples are hiding debts and secret bank accounts from each other, according to new research.
Family lawyers shocked by big money divorce case ruling
The Court of Appeal has ruled that businessman Michael Prest does not have to give his former wife £17.5m worth of assets belonging to some of his companies.
House sales likely to increase say surveyors
House sales are likely to increase over the next two months, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Government finalising its plans for ‘employee owner’ scheme
The Government is now finalising its plans to introduce a new employment status in April 2013 in which some workers will be able to become ‘employee owners’
Council workers win landmark case over equal pay
A group of 174 women have won a landmark case which effectively extends the deadline for making equal pay claims from just six months to six years.
Licensees to help pay cost of alcohol related disorder
Pubs and clubs that open late can now be made to contribute to the cost of dealing with alcohol related crime and disorder, as part of a Government clampdown on irresponsible drinking
Estate agents face prosecution over misleading information
Three estate agents face prosecution for printing misleading information about the size of a garden in a property they were selling - even though they included various disclaimers
Could someone gain a right of way over your property?
It’s a principle in law that if a person regularly travels across a piece of land for several years without being challenged by the owner, he may eventually establish a legal right of way.
Business insolvencies reach a two-year peak
The number of firms going out of business reached its highest level for two years in the first quarter of 2012 as the economy hit a “period of stagnation
Consultants ‘were not negligent’ despite some failings
The High Court has ruled that a group of engineering consultants were not negligent when advising on a major development – even though they failed to predict some important issues
New wave of entrepreneurs create 300,000 businesses
A total of 300,000 new businesses have been set up in the UK, according to the latest figures from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Many business websites breaching consumer protection law
Businesses are being urged to make sure their websites comply with consumer protection law ahead of the Christmas period
Rent control being considered by Select Committee
Rent control is one several ideas being considered by a Commons Select Committee looking into the quality and regulation of rented housing.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR EMPLOYERS
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR EMPLOYERS – THE FUTURE IS BLUE AND GOLD! (Changes affecting the fall out of a broken employment relationship)
Surge in number of people taking out Lasting Powers of Attorney
There’s been a 20% rise in the number of people taking out Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) over the last year, according to official figures
Law Commission wants more clarity over divorce settlements
The way a married couple’s assets are divided if they divorce could undergo major changes following a study being carried out by the Law Commission
New guide to avoiding conflict in divorce
The family lawyers group, Resolution, has launched a guide to help couples avoid conflict during divorce proceedings
Low deposit NewBuy Guarantee homes still available
People who can’t raise a deposit to buy a new home could benefit from the Government’s NewBuy Guarantee scheme which has been under-subscribed
Employment law changes ‘to ease burden on businesses’
The Government has announced a series of employment law changes designed to reduce the burden on businesses while retaining reasonable protection for employees
Ten million people unaware of pension reform
Nearly 10 million workers in the UK are completely unaware of upcoming pension reforms, according to a report by Scottish Widows.
Criteria for ‘naming’ firms who flout National Minimum Wage
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has started to name and shame firms that flout National Minimum Wage regulations
Former postal worker wins race discrimination claim
A former Royal Mail employee has been awarded compensation after winning his race discrimination claim
Have your say about EU directive on late payments
Businesses are being invited to air their views on plans to implement the EU Directive on combating late payment in commercial transactions
Company awarded £50,000 compensation from former director
A company has been awarded £50,000 compensation from a former director after he breached a restrictive covenant preventing him setting up a rival business within a set period
OFT guidelines on tougher penalties for breaches of competition law
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has issued new guidelines explaining how it will set tougher penalties for breaches of competition law
Government to reduce health and safety regulations
The Government says it will reduce health and safety regulations to promote economic growth and protect businesses from ‘compensation culture’ claims
Flats ‘can be built above shops without planning permission’
The Government has introduced new measures to allow up to two flats to be built in office or storage space above shops without the need for planning permission
Tenancies lasting longer as private rental sector increases
Tenancies are lasting longer and landlords are increasing their portfolios as the private rental sector continues to grow, according to the National Landlords Association
Only use qualified professionals for wills and probate
People are often surprised to find that anyone can set up in business providing will writing and probate services - even if they have no qualifications and no insurance to protect their clients if something goes wrong
Father wins appeal to have direct contact with his daughters
A father has won his appeal to have direct contact with his daughters despite opposition from their mother
Husband wins right to have divorce settlement recalculated
A husband has won the right to have his divorce case re-opened after providing evidence suggesting that his wife may have concealed some of her financial assets
Creating a ‘good divorce’ guide
Married couples who once loved each other can end up tearing each other apart as they go through a difficult divorce
Home sellers urged to be realistic about prices
People putting properties on the market are being urged to be realistic about prices if they want a quick sale
Crane driver awarded £38,000 for disability discrimination
A crane driver has been awarded £38,000 compensation after he was subjected to disability discrimination by his employer
Employer ‘legally protected’ against libel claim over reference
The law offers employers some protection against libel claims arising out of references they provide for employees
Company wins injunction against former employee
A company has won an injunction preventing a former employee and his new firm from using some of its confidential documents
Homeowner awarded compensation for tree root damage
A homeowner has won compensation from her local council for subsidence damage caused by tree roots
Government backs efforts to tackle problem of late payments
The Government is backing efforts by the Small Business Economic Forum (SBEF) to tackle the ongoing problem of late payment of invoices
Scrapping restrictions could help shops and new businesses
The Government wants to scrap some planning restrictions to encourage more start-up businesses and attract shoppers back into town centres
Director held personally liable for trademark infringement
A managing director has been held personally liable for his company’s infringement of a rival’s trademark
Firm fined £10,000 after changing its name without telling HMRC
A firm has been fined £10,000 after making a slight change to its name without telling HM Revenue and Customs
Ministers welcome proposals to boost private rented sector
Government ministers have welcomed proposals to boost the private rented sector by easing planning restrictions and encouraging investment
More landlords facing problems with rent arrears
The problem of rent arrears is increasing with 49% of landlords saying that they have experienced difficulties in the last 12 months, according to the National Landlords Association (NLA).
New digital approach to Lasting Powers of Attorney
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) are a well established way of appointing someone you trust to make decisions of your behalf if you ever lose the ability to manage your affairs at some point in the future.
Judge wants more rights for cohabiting couples
A leading judge has called for cohabiting couples in England and Wales to be given the same legal rights as those in Scotland to prevent the kind of injustice and hardship that can occur when relationships come to an end
Mother prevented from taking her son on holiday abroad
A mother has been prevented from taking her son on holiday with her because of fears that she might not bring him back again to England
Government steps up promotion of Right to Buy scheme
The Government has stepped up its campaign to encourage a new generation of social tenants to become home owners through the Right to Buy scheme, which was launched in April
Government sets employment tribunal fees for employees
Employees will soon have to pay £1,200 to bring an unfair dismissal claim to an employment tribunal.
Workers over 50 ‘are being discriminated against’
People over 50 are still being discriminated against by many employers, according to the research organisation Policy Exchange
Man awarded £44,000 after being called gay at work
A heterosexual sales rep has been awarded nearly £44,000 compensation after he was repeatedly called gay at work because he doesn’t like football
Son successfully challenges his father’s will
A man has successfully challenged his father’s will after suspecting it w
Engineering firm wins court battle over unpaid invoices
A British engineering firm has won its legal battle with a French company that refused to pay its invoices after claiming the goods supplied were unfit for purpose
Ministers want to encourage more women entrepreneurs
The Government wants to see more women starting new businesses in the UK
EU leaders agree on Unified Patent Court with UK section
EU leaders have reached agreement on a Unified Patent Court and a unitary patent system across 25 European countries.
Developer wins appeal to quash planning inspector’s decision
A property developer has won his appeal to quash a decision by a planning inspector in a case involving the proposed construction of six houses.
Overhaul of planning system to make it simpler and quicker
The Government has announced further changes to the planning system to make it simpler and quicker to use
Boost for landlords paying empty property rates
09 August 2012
The High Court has provided a welcome boost for landlords wishing to avoid paying rates on empty commercial property.
The perils of break clauses for commercial tenants
Break clauses are a good way for businesses to hedge their bets when moving into new premises.
Have you recorded your internet passwords in your will?
There's a growing trend for people to record their internet passwords and login details when drawing up their wills, according to new research.
Householder must pay after cutting down neighbour's trees
A householder who cut down several trees on a farm that bordered his house has been ordered to pay £2,500 compensation.
Retailers face stricter controls over alcohol pricing
The Home Office is to introduce new rules to control the price of alcohol in retail outlets.
Divorcing couples now more likely to conceal assets
Most family lawyers fear that divorcing couples are increasingly likely to conceal assets from each other during proceedings in order to get a better settlement.
Nurse sacked for 'whistleblowing' awarded £15,000
A nurse who was sacked after raising the alarm about the way residents were treated at a care home has been awarded £15,000 compensation for unfair dismissal.
New proposals to allow more firms to avoid audits
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.
Surge in data security breaches by private companies
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).
Buy to let landlords acquiring more properties
The renewed interest in buy to let properties is spreading from London to other areas throughout the UK, according to new research.
Terraced houses show biggest 10-year price increase
The cost of a terraced house has risen more than any other kind of home over the last 10 years, according to research by the Halifax.
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