Articles

Agents for Hire
Now that the dust has begun to settle, following the coming into force of the Agency Workers Regulations last October, it is an appropriate time for hirers to consider the effects which the Regulations have had.

Do we have the right to force retirement again?
No sooner has the government abolished the retirement age of 65 than the Supreme Court appears to have reinstated it in the case of Seldon v Clarkson Wright and Jakes . But do not go rushing to retire anyone over 65 – the show’s not over yet.

Land deals – the danger of obvious...
Getting to the point of shaking hands on a sale, purchase, lease or anything else can feel pretty momentous – weeks of negotiation, possibly longer, have paid off and you’ve reached agreement, you might even have something down on paper, which is great.

A burning message to the business community...
I was going to write about compulsory pensions. But having been talking to business people this week, I have something much more important to say. People have been telling me of decisions not to take business opportunities, so as to avoid employing more people or, in some cases, anyone at all! To someone like me, first a businesswoman and second an employment lawyer, this is dreadful and I want to explain why.
Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

Self employed in name only
The number of people calling themselves self-employed has risen to a record 4.1 million according to the Office for National Statistics. That is 14.2% of the entire employed population. Some of my female friends are among them. In fact 60% of those who have become self-employed since 2008 are women.
Monday, March 19th, 2012

In-deed-y, All-write-y
The benefits of signing a written business agreement may appear to be fairly obvious . Setting out the terms of a transaction in writing offers the clarity, certainty and detail required by all parties involved. However, sometimes a distinction needs to be made between something that is merely an 'agreement' and something that constitutes a 'deed'.
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Historical Reflections on the New Pension Regime
As the UK gets set to introduce a radical new pension regime - otherwise known as NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) it is interesting to fill in the background to these changes in pension provision.
Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

Easy come, easy go? For the first two years of employment, maybe.
From this April the Government is proposing that a new employee will have to wait for two years until they have legal protection against dismissal. In other words, they get a new job, hand in their notice where they are, go to the new employer and for the next two years the new employer can decide whether or not to dismiss them.
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

A Tough Decision
We are all aware that as we reach pensionable age, we shouldn’t expect to rely on a state pension. In fact we are now positively encouraged to plan ahead, the Government are so concerned about this that they are introducing a new work based pension scheme which will apply to the majority of us from October 2012.
Monday, January 30th, 2012

Health Insurance for Older Workers.
At age 65 most employees used to have taken their leave of work and donned their slippers. Now, unless they can afford to retire and wish to do so, they will continue at work, and can carry on as long as they can do the job. Meanwhile of course they will be getting older, and then much older, and if their employment gives them the benefit of health insurance the cost of providing it is likely to be greater and then much greater for their employer.
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Increase in the number of over 60's getting divorced.
The statistics seem to show that older couples are drifting apart and choosing to separate after their children have flown the nest. Whatever the reason may be, people are still facing the heartache and difficulty surrounding divorce and separation.
Monday, November 29th, 2011

Is there ever a 'right time'? ... or T'is the season of goodwill?!
Unfortunately it is a well-known fact that over the Christmas period, the shared relationship or partnership of two people can come to breaking point.

Me and My Shadow. Vagueness still haunts the whole question of 'shadow directors' and what they really are.
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Pesky Kids (and other relations) Make sure your will clearly states what you want!
Monday, October 24th, 2011

Here Comes the Bribe
Monday, September 5th, 2011

Adult claims against a parent’s estate
Thursday, August 25th, 2011

An offer made subject to references: what are your options?
Monday, August 22nd, 2011

A frequently asked question: how many days holiday must a part-time employee be given?
Monday, August 22nd, 2011

I’m Fired!
Friday, August 5th, 2011

WHY USE A SOLICITOR WHEN SOMEONE DIES
Friday, August 5th, 2011

Will You Still Need Me?
Thursday, June 9th, 2011

Retirement – Practical Aspects
Thursday, June 9th, 2011

Administrators and Unpaid Goods
Thursday, June 9th, 2011

Additional Paternity Leave
Monday, April 18th, 2011