New Right for Workers to Request Predictable Working Patterns in 2024
A new law designed to give workers on flexible or casual contracts more predictable working patterns has received Royal Assent. The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023, which is expected to come into force in Summer 2024, will afford workers such as temporary workers and those on zero hour contracts a new statutory right […]
Electronic Trade Documents Act Takes Effect
The Electronic Trade Documents Act (ETDA) takes effect today, 20 September 2023. Implementing detailed recommendations made by the Law Commission of England and Wales, the new law paves the way for the greater digitalisation of trade procedures by giving digital versions of key trade documents – including bills of lading – the same legal recognition as […]
Costs Cap on Lower-Value Medical Negligence Claims from April 2024
Legal costs will be capped in lower damages clinical negligence claims from April 2024, the Department of Health has announced. The new system of fixed recoverable costs will limit the amount claimant solicitors can charge when advising on clinical negligence cases of £25,000 or less. In a statement announcing the new rules, Minister for Health, […]
Increases Across UK Home Office Application Fees from 4 October 2023
The Home Office has announced increases in UK visa, settlement and nationality fees that will take effect from 4 October 2023. The increases cover a wide range of applications, across UK entry clearance, indefinite leave to enter, indefinite leave to remain and applications for leave to remain in the UK such as many work and […]
Unfair Dismissal Claim: Check Your Rights
If you can show you have been dismissed from work unfairly, you may be able to claim for unfair dismissal. Was your dismissal unfair? Employees have the right to be dismissed fairly. This means employers must show good reason for the dismissal and follow the correct legal process in dismissing someone. Dismissals can apply in […]
Associative Discrimination (Advice For Employers)
By law, you should not treat any member of staff or job applicant unfairly by reason of a protected characteristic, such as their age, gender, a disability, race or religion. This includes not treating them unfairly because of any association with another individual who possesses one of these, or any other, protected characteristic. The following […]
Latest Home Office Changes to Immigration Rules
The Home Office has published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, HC 1780, 7 September 2023. The new rules cover a broad range of areas, most of which are technical in nature. The vast majority of changes take effect on 5 October 2023. The key changes are as follows: Prison workers […]
What are the Data Protection Act 8 Principles?
The Data Protection Act (DPA) controls how businesses, the government and organisations use individuals’ personal information. Data controllers and data processor must ensure they adhere to the strict rules known as The Data Protection Act 8 Principles. What are the 8 DPA Principles? The DPA Principles require that the controllers and processors of individuals […]
Overview of the Data Protection Act UK 2018
In May 2018, the Data Protection Act 2018 came into force alongside the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). The aim of the Data Protection Act UK is to modernise UK data protection laws in conjunction with the GDPR and to ensure these laws will continue to be effective in the future. How are […]
What is a Commercial Lease Break Clause?
A commercial lease break clause enables either the landlord, tenant, or both to end the lease early either on specified dates or at any time during the term. There are many reasons why tenants may be unsure about committing to long term leases, particularly in a challenging economic climate. They could be a new business, […]
How to Apply for a Premises Licence
Under the Licensing Act 2003 (England and Wales) and the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, a premises licence must be obtained to carry out certain prescribed licensable activities, including the sale of alcohol and the provision of regulated entertainment and late night refreshments. How to apply for a premises licence An application for a […]
Guide to the Licensing Act 2003
The Licensing Act 2003 governs the sale and supply of alcohol and late night refreshments and the provision of regulated entertainment in England and Wales. Under the 2003 Act the responsibility for the administration and enforcement of licensing rests with local authorities, acting through licensing committees. The responsible licensing authority must at all times seek […]
Heads of Terms in Commercial Property Transactions
Heads of terms are used in commercial property transactions to set out the key terms expected to form part of the deal. Heads of terms help identify any issues which could prevent the success of the transaction as well as providing a guide for the lawyers when the formal, legally binding documents are prepared. While […]
Security of Tenure for Business Leases
When securing new premises, the future preservation and success of your business may hinge upon your security of tenure. Legal advice should always be sought prior to entering into a new business lease, as well as in relation to any security of tenure issues that may arise during the course, or upon expiry, of an […]
Taking on a Commercial Lease
If you are a tenant looking to lease new business premises there are numerous issues to consider, not least your legal rights and responsibilities. Some of the most frequently asked questions relating to commercial leases are set out below. What is a commercial lease? A commercial lease is a legally binding document setting […]
Breach of a Commercial Lease (What to Do!)
Both Landlords and tenants can be found in breach of a commercial lease under either the Law of Property Act 1925 or Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 if they fail to meet one of more of the lease covenants. When a tenant has breached the terms of their commercial lease, landlords can respond through serving […]
Commercial Lease Notice to Vacate
When a commercial lease is in place the tenant normally holds the right to remain in occupation until the lease expires. However, as a landlord there are some circumstances where you can take back the premises during the term by issuing a commercial lease notice to vacate. Tenants will often challenge a notice to vacate […]
What is a Commercial Lease Insurance Clause?
It is in the interests of the landlord and the tenant that a commercial lease sets out details of the insurance terms in full. If there is no commercial lease insurance clause there is no obligation to insure the property, resulting in problems for both parties. Who is responsible for insuring a commercial property? […]
UK ETA Travel Permit Guide
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is opening in 2023, as part of the government’s new universal “permission to travel” requirement. Under the new scheme, certain travellers, including non-visa nationals and Creative Worker visa holders, travelling to the UK will have to secure authorisation in advance of travel by completing an online form and paying […]
How are Letters of Intent Used?
When in the process of negotiating an asset or share sale, or any other complex commercial transaction, various key documents will need to be drafted, including a letter of intent. In this guide, we explain what letters of intent are, how they are used and the legal considerations involved. What is letter of intent? […]