HMRC seizes NFTs for first time in fraud probe
HMRC, the UK tax authority, has reported its first ever seizure of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), following a probe into an alleged £1.4 million VAT fraud. The HMRC investigation involved over 250 sham companies, resulting in three NFTs being confiscated, along with £5,000 in other cryptoassets. Three people were also detained following allegations they used a […]
What is a Decree Absolute & Do You Need One?
Getting divorced can be a stressful time for separated spouses, not least because the legal process for filing for divorce can often be acrimonious, typically requiring one party to attribute some form of blame against the other to establish grounds for divorce. However, with the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act (DDSA) 2020 is coming into […]
Sponsorship Management System tips for HR
The Sponsorship Management System provides an online platform through which licensed employers can meet many of the requirements under the UK’s Immigration Rules when sponsoring migrant workers. The following guide for HR personnel, or those otherwise responsible for using this system, examines how the system works and what role it plays in the context of […]
Private parking fines to be capped at £50
A new Code of Practice has been announced to bring the rules for private parking companies in line with those that apply to local councils and to give motorists better protection from confusing and unreasonable fees. Under the new government plans, private car parks in England and Wales will be required to display prices more […]
New Offences Introduced Under New Online Safety Bill
The government has made a number of additions to the Online Safety Bill that will see more online behaviour being made illegal. A press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport on 4 February 2022 details three additional criminal offences that will be introduced to the Bill, as proposed by the […]
New Heirarchy of Road Users from 29 January 2022
A number of changes to the Highway Code will take effect from 29 January 2022. Among the new rules, a hierarchy of road users is being introduced which places more responsibility on drivers of larger vehicles to look after vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. The updated code states: “Those in charge of […]
When does overtime become contractual?
Overtime rules are not always straightforward, but it’s important for employers and managers to have a clear understanding to avoid workforce issues. The question ‘When does overtime become contractual?’ is one that commonly arises within a number of different employment contexts, from whether an employer has the right to insist on an employee working additional […]
Employment case law update December 2021
Read on for our monthly digest for employers on upcoming employment law changes and key employment cases that have recently been decided. Mandatory COVID vaccination & fair dismissal Ms C Allette v Scarsdale Grange Nursing Home Limited This is an unfair and wrongful dismissal claim arising from the summary dismissal of the claimant, Ms C […]
HR Glossary
Commonly-used HR phrases, words and terms explained. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | […]
Rules for suspending an employee
In some circumstances, suspending an employee may be unavoidable. Suspension could be due to health and safety or medical issues such as pregnancy, or more commonly, while a serious disciplinary matter is being investigated. In this guide for employers, line managers and HR personnel, we discuss the key considerations when suspending employees as part of […]
Law Allowing Video-Witnessed Wills Extended to 2024
Vulnerable people across England and Wales will continue to be able to have their wills witnessed via video-link up until 2024, under legislation extending temporary pandemic measures. The change was announced yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab, who stated “this is a common-sense measure that will […]
Government Unveils Plans to Protect Leaseholders and Make Property Developers Pay for Cladding Crisis
Property developers will be forced to cover the cost of removing dangerous cladding from buildings taller than 11 metres, under new plans announced by the Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove. In a letter to the residential property development industry on 10 January 2022, Mr Gove set out the government’s new approach to building safety aimed […]
Employment case law update November 2021
Read on for our monthly digest for employers on upcoming employment law changes and key employment cases that have recently been decided. Wrongful dismissal Hovis Limited v Louton The claimant, Mr Louton, worked for Hovis as a delivery lorry driver. It was reported by one of the company’s managers (Mr Sittre) that he and his […]
Guide to Extending Your Lease
If you own a residential property on a leasehold basis, there are many reasons why you may be considering extending your lease. In most cases, the shorter the amount of time remaining on the leasehold, the lower the value of the lease becomes, and the more you will have to pay to increase the term […]
Supreme Court Rules in favour of Google in iPhone “Secret Tracking” Case
The Supreme Court has rejected a claim against Google that the company misused web browsing data of iPhone users in the UK. The claim was brought by former director of consumer group Which?, Richard Lloyd. He claimed that the tech giant had “secretly” collected user web browsing data between 2011 and 2012 from the Safari […]
Deed of Covenant on a Leasehold Property?
Buying a leasehold flat can often be more complex than buying a freehold property. The addition of a third party, ie; the freeholder or landlord, in the conveyancing process means that there are various extra documentary requirements involved, typically including the requirement to sign a deed of covenant. The following guide looks at deeds of […]
New Motoring Rules From November
This month sees the following changes in UK motoring laws. Driving licence COVID extensions ending Under coronavirus provisions, driving licences that were due to expire between 1 February 2020 and 31 December 2020 were given an automatic 11-month extension. This month sees the last of the automatic driving licence extensions granted under this temporary rule. […]
Collective Enfranchisement to Buy Flat Freehold
Owning a long residential lease can be a valuable asset although, as the lease term decreases over time, so too can the value of your flat. However, together with other owner-occupiers, you may have the right to collectively purchase the freehold of your building. In this guide, we explain the collective enfranchisement process for buying […]
UK Removes Remainder of Countries from Travel Red List
In an announcement on 28 October, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that the remaining countries on the UK’s travel ‘red list’ were being removed from Monday 1 November 2021. Changes to the red list follow the recent relaxation of requirements for travellers arriving into the UK in a bid to boost the travel industry and […]
Employment case law update October 2021
Read on for our monthly digest for employers on upcoming employment law changes and key employment cases that have recently been decided. Unfair dismissal Mrs A Rodin v Dhillons Management Services Limited The claimant was employed by DMS1, an HR supplier now known as Dhillons Management Services. It was unclear when her employment with the […]