UK Regulators Launch Review into AI Models
The UK Government has asked regulators in the UK, including the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA), to conduct reviews into the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) foundation models. The CMA is now initiating an initial review into competition and consumer protection considerations of AI innovations. The review will look to determine how the implementation […]
Can You Make a Whiplash Claim?
If you have suffered from whiplash following an accident which was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. Whiplash injuries can cause pain, discomfort and can leave you out of pocket through medical expenses and time off work. Making a whiplash claim can help to compensate you for the suffering and costs […]
Who Gets Custody of Child in a Divorce?
There are a number of factors to take into consideration when determining who will get custody of a child in a divorce. The biggest factor will be what is best for the child. How that is determined is dependent upon the parent’s current situation. It’s important to stress that ‘custody’ as a legal term and […]
Time Off in Lieu (TOIL): Employer Legal Guide UK
Time off in lieu (TOIL) is widely used across UK workplaces as a flexible way to manage operational peaks, reduce overtime expenditure and provide workers with additional rest time when business needs allow. When applied correctly, TOIL can support employee wellbeing, maintain productivity and give employers a lawful mechanism for managing fluctuating workloads. When mismanaged, […]
Associative discrimination: what employers need to know
The Equality Act 2010 was introduced to protect employees from discrimination. The Act protects 9 characteristics that employers, businesses and organisations cannot discriminate against. Any form of discrimination — whether direct, indirect, victimisation or harassment — against these characteristics is unlawful. The nine protected characteristics in the 2010 Act are: Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage […]
MAT B1 form & managing maternity
Understanding the employment rights of your staff is one of the most important responsibilities when it comes to being an employer, including an employee’s right to maternity leave and maternity pay. However, it is also important to understand your own rights, as an employer, when it comes to staff notifying you that they are pregnant, […]
Employment tribunal rules for employers
If a workplace grievance or dispute cannot be resolved informally between an employer and an employee, an employer may find an employment tribunal claim being brought against them by the employee which they are forced to defend. It is therefore good practice that an employer is familiar with the employment tribunal rules and procedures, should […]
What to do if an employee is skiving off work
Sickness absence is an inevitable part of managing a workforce. But what if you suspect someone isn’t being honest about why they’re not at work? Or what if someone is at work but is deliberately not giving their full effort? Skiving off work can be damaging to a business and can negatively impact other employees. […]
Dealing with unauthorised absence from work
While most instances of employee absence will be for legitimate reasons, there may be times when an employee simply fails to show for work or to make contact with their employer without a reasonable excuse. Unauthorised absence can quickly become problematic if not handled correctly and consistently. In this guide, we look at how to […]
Common Law Partner Rights
‘Common law’ partners usually refers to couples who live together and are in a long-term relationship. In the UK, the concept of the “common law partner” is a myth in legal terms. An unmarried, cohabiting couple do not share the same legal status as a married couple or a couple in a civil partnership. This […]
How to Remove a Shareholder from a Limited Company
A shareholder of a limited company can choose to leave that company whenever they wish and for whatever reason; this may be down to a desire to re-invest their money in a different business or because they no longer wish to be associated with that company. A shareholder may also be removed in the event […]
Shareholder Rights in the UK
When a shareholder invests money into a company, they obtain certain rights as a result. Generally, the more money invested, the more rights that shareholder has. Shareholder rights in the UK are dictated by the Companies Act 2006, the company’s Articles of Association, the terms of issue of shares, and any shareholders’ agreement. What are […]
Financial Product Cold Calling to be Banned in UK
Under a proposed new law, the UK is set to ban cold calling of financial products. The change comes as part of a clampdown on fraud by prohibiting telemarketing calls for financial products such as insurance and cryptocurrency schemes. The plan to combat fraud includes measures to prevent “spoofing” of phone numbers. This is when con […]
New Duty on Sponsors to Report Hybrid Working
Under a new Home Office requirement, UK sponsor licence holders must now notify when a sponsored worker is being, or will be, engaged under a hybrid working pattern on a more permanent basis. During COVID, the Home Office placed no obligation on sponsors to inform the Home Office when a sponsored worker was working remotely […]
Civil Partnership Rights
A civil partnership is a legally recognised relationship between two people, either same sex or mixed sex. In legal terms, civil partners enjoy the same legal rights and protections as married couples. This extends to areas such as tax benefits, pensions, inheritance and on relationship breakdown. The primary difference with marriage is there is no […]
Deed of Trust for Joint Property Owners
Shared ownership of property is becoming more and more common, whether between unmarried couples, friends, siblings, or children with their parents. If you’re buying a property with someone else, a deed of trust is an effective way of proving legal ownership of all parties who have a share of the property. What is a […]
Minimum Wage Increase from 1st April
The UK’s minimum wage has increased today, 1 April 2023. The minimum wage levels are as follows: NMW rate NMW rate National Living Wage (23+) £10.42 21-22 Year Old Rate £10.18 18-20 Year Old Rate £7.49 16-17 Year Old Rate £5.28 Apprentice Rate £5.28 Accommodation Offset £9.10 […]
Can You Claim for Vibration White Finger?
If you’re suffering from Vibration White Finger due to your employer’s negligence, you may be able to bring a claim for personal injury at work. What is Vibration White Finger? Vibration white finger (VWF), sometimes known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), is a permanent and painful condition affecting the nerves, joints and muscles of the […]
Ombudsman Rules ‘No Kids’ Rental Policy Discriminatory
The Property Ombudsman has ruled that a letting agency’s policy of not renting to families with children is in breach of its code of conduct by discriminating against women. Lexi Levens, an NHS nurse, brought the landmark legal challenge with homeless charity Shelter, after her family was forced to register as homeless. Having been served a […]
New UK Minimum Wage for International Seafarers
New legislation is now in force from today imposing a minimum wage for international seafarers working in the UK. Under the Seafarers’ Wages Act, shipping lines operating at UK ports must now pay seafarers at least the UK’s prevailaing minimum wage, regardless of the nationality of the crew or operator. As of 1 July 2022, […]