Verbal warning at work procedure
The following guide looks at the process that should be followed when a verbal warning at work is issued, including what constitutes a legally recognised warning within the context of fair disciplinary proceedings. What is a verbal warning? In circumstances where an employer has concerns about an employee’s conduct and/or performance at work, it may […]
Dealing with insubordination at work
Insubordination at work can be a serious matter, given its effect of damaging working relationships, undermining organisational authority and the potential to impact wider team morale. In this guide, we look at what insubordination at work means, with common examples of workplace insubordination and how employers should deal with employee insubordination. What is insubordination at […]
What is Permanent Residence?
Note that EU citizens are required to register under the UK settlement scheme to safeguard their rights to remain in the UK after 30 June 2021. Existing permanent residence holders must transfer their status to EU settled status. Permanent residence is when non-British citizens are granted the right to live, work and study in the […]
Zero Hour Contract Rights
If you are one of the tens of thousands of individuals employed in the UK on a zero hour or casual basis, it is important that you understand your employment rights under zero hour contract law. Below we provide a basic guide to zero hour contract law, including: what constitutes a zero hour contract your […]
Tier 4 Visa Extension (Students’ Guide)
As a student currently in the UK under a Tier 4 visa, you may be looking to extend your stay to finish your existing course or to progress to a new and higher level of studies. Below we examine the rules relating to Tier 4 visa extensions, including the requirements, process and cost when applying […]
UK Visa Requirements (Applicant Guidance)
In this article, we look at what travellers need to know about meeting the UK visa requirements and making a successful application to the Home Office. If you are a national of a non EEA (European Economic Area) country or Switzerland and you wish to enter the UK, even if it is only to travel […]
Recording conversations at work: HR guide
Is making a covert recording in the workplace sufficiently serious to justify instant dismissal? As the likelihood and occurrence of secret recordings in the workplace grows, it has become good risk management practice for employers to take pre-emptive measures to deter secret recordings and to provide clarity to the workforce on the organisation’s expectations and […]
Whistleblowing: employer guidance
Whistleblowing in the workplace is dealt with under the Employment Rights Act. The following guide looks at the law on whistleblowing at work, from what protection a whistleblower may be afforded to what an effective whistleblowing policy should include. What is a whistleblower? A whistleblower is an individiual who reports certain types of wrongdoing, typically […]
Spouse Visa After Divorce (How to Stay in the UK)
If you are living in the UK under a spouse visa, it will be important to understand how your immigration status will be affected in the event you divorce or separate from your British citizen spouse or civil partner. A spouse visa is the permission granted to a foreign national from outside the European Economic […]
BRP: Biometric Residence Permit (FAQS)
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a document given to non-UK nationals and their dependents that is usually applied for as part of a UK visa or immigration application. It can be used as a form of identification and is proof of the holder’s right to stay, work or study in the UK. As a foreign national […]
Capability dismissal: guide for HR
Capability dismissal refers to an employer terminating an employment contract on the basis of poor performance where they have a reasonable belief that the employee is unable to carry out the duties required of them to the expected standards. Employers are permitted to lawfully dismiss employees by reason of poor performance and capability, but they […]
Dismiss for poor performance: steps to take
Before an employer can lawfully dismiss an employee for poor performance, they must first show they have followed a process to allow the employee the opportunity to improve and meet the standards required in their role. The Acas Code of Practice provides guidance to help employers ensure their obligations towards their employees are met during […]
Disciplinary hearing: guide for employers!
Under ACAS guidelines, before an employer can dismiss or sanction an employee for a disciplinary issue, the employer should first hold a disciplinary hearing with the employee. The meeting must be managed correctly to avoid allegations that the employer failed to handle the disciplinary process fairly or lawfully. We look at how employers should prepare […]
Sexual Harassment at Work (A Guide!)
Sexual harassment at work is an unlawful form of discrimination involving unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. Employers are under a legal duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The Equality Act 2010 states that a person’s conduct amounts to sexual harassment if it is either meant to, or has the effect of, violating […]
What is Family Law?
Family law is an area of law that relates to family matters and involves a host of authorities, agencies and groups which participate in or influence the outcome of private disputes or social decisions involving family law. Such a view of family law may be regarded as assisting the understanding of the context in which […]
What is Divorce?
The following guide summarises the current process for filing for divorce in England and Wales. Divorce defined Divorce is the formal process by which a marriage is officially brought to an end by the court. The party to the marriage who files for divorce is known as the petitioner, while the respondent is the individual […]
How Does a Trust Protect Personal Assets?
An optimised approach to asset protection will consider a wide range of tools and structures potentially at your disposal. One item for consideration in this toolkit will be the trust. Trusts have for centuries been used for asset protection purposes. However, trusts have also been synonymous with tax planning and avoidance. For better or for […]
Asset Protection (A Useful Guide!)
Asset protection is essentially about planning now to protect for later. Without planning, your assets are likely to be at risk of exposure to a number of financial predators. This could be as a result of commercial creditors, bankruptcy, divorce or the tax man. So while the value of your assets will always be subject […]
Difference Between Solicitor & Conveyancer
If you are thinking about buying or selling a property you will need a good lawyer to help with the legalities. The following guide looks at how to choose the best solicitors or licensed conveyancers. Please read our extensive guide on conveyancing here >> Why do I need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer? […]
Assured Tenancy Agreements: Housing Association Tenant FAQs
The following guide looks at frequently asked questions by Housing Association tenants in relation to assured tenancy agreements. Do I have an assured tenancy agreement? The most common type of tenancy agreement issued by a Housing Association is an assured tenancy agreement. You will probably be an assured tenant if your landlord is a housing […]