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 […]
TUPE for Employees Guide
If the organisation you are employed by changes hands, there are rules in place that protect you from any unfair disadvantage when your employment moves across to your new employer. These are called the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, or ‘TUPE regulations’. For employees affected by a TUPE transfer, and potential changes […]
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 […]
EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit Guide
The EU Settlement Scheme was created by the UK Government following Brexit and the end of free movement between the UK and the EU. The scheme provides permission to qualifying EU citizens and their family members to live in the UK lawfully after the UK’s departure from the European Union. If you are an eligible […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to spot a fake sick note
If you’ve been given a fit note by an employee and you’re not sure if it is genuine, would you know what to do? Employers should be prepared and trained to know how to deal with employees suspected of pulling sickies or exaggerating illness symptoms. It’s useful for managers and HR teams to be able […]
T5 Government Authorised Exchange visa
The United Kingdom welcomes people from around the world to undertake short-term work, research, and study placements through the T5 Government Authorised Exchange visa. The Government Authorised Exchange visa is one of a number of temporary worker routes now available under the UK immigration rules. Prior to UK immigration reforms in 2020, the route was […]
Self Employed Mortgage Guide
One of the downsides of having your own business is that applying for a mortgage can seem a more challenging process than if you were employed. The following guidance looks at the key criteria for getting a self employed mortgage, including which documentation you will need to show to potential lenders and the steps you […]
Employment tribunal costs for employers
If a workplace dispute cannot be resolved, employers may be forced to defend a claim before the employment tribunal. By understanding how the tribunal process works, including the steps involved and potential outcomes, employers can assess the most cost-effective way of dealing with an unresolved dispute while managing the employment tribunal costs that come with […]
Employer vicarious liability rules
By law, employers can be held vicariously liable for certain acts of their employees. This means even where the employer has itself technically done no wrong, it can still be found responsible for employees’ actions and made to financially compensate the victim of the wrongdoing. The rationale behind the employer vicarious liability rules is to […]
Using an employee non disclosure agreement
Under an employee non disclosure agreement, both parties are bound by confidentiality provisions, such as preventing the employee from disclosing certain specified information relating to the conduct of the employer or the termination of the employment contract. Non disclosure agreements (NDAs) and confidentiality provisions in the employment context have generated plenty of publicity over the […]
Bullied At Work? Advice For Employees
Employees are protected by law from being bullied at work. But it’s not always easy to know what your rights are and how to enforce them. If you are feeling emotionally distressed or professionally vulnerable because of the unwanted discriminatory behaviour of others, you may even get to the point where you feel you have […]
Can employees go on holiday while off sick?
Ordinarily, you would not expect an employee to be going on holiday while on sick leave. In many cases this would serve to undermine the extent of any reported illness or injury, providing grounds for disciplinary action or even dismissal where this is indicative of malingering. Still, there may be cases in which going on […]
Malingering, fake illness & disciplinaries
If an employee is genuinely sick or injured, they are entitled to take time off work to recover. If an employer suspects an employee of malingering, and that they may not be genuinely ill or as ill as they claim, the employer can take steps to deal with the concerns. The following guide looks at […]
Disciplinary procedure guide for managers
Embarking on a formal disciplinary procedure may become necessary to ensure that any unacceptable or improper behaviour at work, or poor performance matters, that cannot be resolved informally, are appropriately addressed in a fair and lawful manner. The following guide for employers, line managers and HR personnel examines the rules relating to disciplinary procedures, providing […]
Dealing with misconduct at work
Misconduct at work relates to behaviour deemed by an employer to be unacceptable in the workplace environment. Misconduct can have the effect of damaging a business’ reputation as a fair employer or a trustworthy company to deal with. It can cause damage to the property and belongings of the business and can lead to complaints […]
Age Discrimination in the Workplace (Your Rights)
Age discrimination or ageism in the workplace is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Employers are under a legal duty to prevent age discrimination in the workplace. The Equality Act 2010 states individuals must not be discriminated against at work because they are (or are not) a certain age or in […]
No Fault Divorce: Where Are We Now?
Getting a divorce can be an extremely difficult and emotionally challenging time for the former couple. Yet even where both ex-partners are in agreement that divorce is the only option, the law at present in England and Wales does not allow a ‘no-fault divorce’. Under current rules, to legally divorce, blame must be attributed to […]