Khurram’s reflections on his work placement year
Hi all, it’s me again, the work placement student! Sadly, my time at Moore Barlow has now come to an end,…
The power of giving: Philanthropy that makes a lasting impact on society
Bill Gates is one of the world’s best-known philanthropists. Since 2000, he has given away more than US$53 billion to…
The dos and don’ts of art investment – putting you in the picture
If you’ve ever been stopped in your tracks by a stunning piece of art in a gallery window – or…
Are you receiving care or are you a carer?
Last week, 5th to 11th June was Carers Week. Carers Week is an annual campaign to highlight the numerous challenges…
What is the role of Venture Capital and Private Equity Institutions in the UK Financial Market?
Whether your business is a start-up or has been trading for a few years, financial security is imperative to long…
The protection of trees by Tree Preservation Orders
When owning property of any kind where there are trees, or possibly only one tree, you must take care when…
The three biggest mistakes business owners make when looking to sell
Thomas Clark, partner and corporate lawyer at Moore Barlow, highlights the most common pitfalls that business leaders fall into when…
Agricultural tenancy considerations: your key legal update
The last year has seen an enormous number of measures putting into effect the Agricultural Transition Plan, many of which…
What happens to your employees when you sell your business
For every business owner, whether you own a small family run company or a muti-national corporation, there may come a…
Growth shares: mutual advantage to company and employee
For private companies, a common share incentive route often involves growth shares. This is a well-trodden path and rightly so.…
Company directors’ duty to creditors
In the UK, directors have a duty to act in the best interests of the company and its creditors. This…
My graduate placement experience with Moore Barlow
Hello – I’m Khurram, a law student at the University of Surrey currently on a placement year with Moore Barlow.…
Time is money as demand surges for vintage watch investment
As 007 creator Ian Fleming once remarked: “A gentleman’s choice of timepiece says as much about him as does his…
Understanding employee data and GDPR: A guide to data protection compliance in the UK workplace
Subject to any big Brexit changes in the near future, the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) together…
Agricultural tenants in financial difficulty
What can agricultural Landlords do if their tenants run into financial difficulty?
The answer to this question will depend upon…
What happens to a family business in divorce?
You started out on your own but, through hard work and determination, you’ve built your business from a side-project into…
What will happen to my pension if I get divorced?
This year, many people will be concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the value of their pension funds arising from difficult…
The lesser-known nil paid share incentive
For private companies, the most common share incentive route often involves Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) options or growth shares, both…
The top five most invested industries of 2022
The diverse panorama of investment opportunities can make personal investing a complex arena to navigate.
Whether you’re looking to make…
The cost of living crisis and relationship breakdown
All the news at the moment seems to be that energy bills are going up, shopping is getting more expensive,…
Words from the wise…10 top tips from business leaders
“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”
Wise…
Negative Glassdoor reviews
Negative Glassdoor reviews can have a serious impact on employers. Such reviews might make it harder for employers to recruit…
Can an executor charge for estate administration?
To charge or not to charge – that is the question. A case summary of Da Silva v Heselton (also known as…
Business risks and how they paid off
All businesses, from small start-ups to global brands, are exposed to risks that can make them vulnerable to a fall…
Take off for a new home abroad
Grab your Factor 50 and seek holiday home heaven with overseas investment expert, property writer and Editor of A Place…
The risk of holding a “sham” redundancy procedure
In the recent case of Rentplus UK v Coulson, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) upheld the Tribunal’s earlier decision to award…
When is it too hot to work?
The UK recently saw soaring temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius induced by climate change. This led to extreme…
Planes, trains and postal workers – What to do when they threaten to go on strike?
At the beginning of June, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (“RMT”) announced that over 50,000 railway…
Private or not? How to choose the best school for your children
When it comes to giving your child the best start in life, choosing the best school to suit their individual…
What is the difference between Power of Attorney and Court of Protection?
Asking the difference between a Power of Attorney and Court of Protection is a common question for people when considering…
Inheritance Tax planning – Normal out of income exemption
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is primarily a tax paid on assets upon a person’s death if their assets are above their available tax…
Father’s Day in separated families – putting the child’s interests first
Despite being relatively new holidays in their current form (I would encourage anyone who has not done so to look…
A life in wills and probate
I have worked in Private Client my whole working life, but I had not intended to work in Wills and…
New tipping legislation put on hold
Workers and trade unions will be disappointed to learn that the plans have been shelved to introduce legislation which would…
New scheme for legal right to work ID checks
Employers in the UK are obligated to ensure that the people they employ have the appropriate rights to carry out…
Holiday Pay – the right to payment for unpaid annual leave
This article sets out the latest update in the long ongoing case of Smith v Pimlico Plumbers Ltd. The Court of appeal…
Mental health during separation
Going through a divorce or separation is a stressful and traumatic experience, as anyone who has been through one can…
How to register an enduring power of attorney in the UK
In March we published an article entailed, Should I replace my Enduring Power of Attorney with a Lasting Power of…
Child maintenance calculation: What high earners need to know
How does child maintenance work for high earners in the UK?
Both parents are financially responsible for looking after their…
Stay updated: Agriculture (Lump Sum Payment) Regulations 2022
The Government produced its response in February 2022 to the consultation exercise last year on the Lump Sum Exit Scheme.…
COVID restrictions on recovering arrears of rent are almost over
As many landlords of commercial premises will have been well aware, over the last few years (since March 2020) the…
Avoid disputes by not making promises you cannot keep
On 27 January 2022, the High Court handed down its judgment in Morton v Morton [2022] EWHC 163 (Ch), which concerned a dispute…
Demystifying legal jargon – constitutional documents
Legal jargon surrounding companies and their constitution can be confusing and sometimes frustrating to understand. As lawyers, we use ‘legalese’…
The inheritance act and real world considerations
Thomas Middlehurst, a partner in the contentious trusts and estates team at Moore Barlow discusses the impact of the Court…
Wills and why people should make them
It is still common to come across a lot of clients who haven’t made Wills for a number of reasons. …
Are diamonds forever? What happens to the engagement ring if you split up before marriage?
Valentine’s Day is, to many, the perfect opportunity to pop the question, and it’s likely that many social media feeds…
Crypto currency fraud: The approach taken by the English courts
In this article we look at two recent English court decisions relating to cryptocurrency fraud and examine what remedies are…
New year, new you
The 10th of January will mark 2022’s “Divorce Day” – a day on which, according to many national newspapers, family lawyers…
The benefits of appointing professional executors and making a valid will
When making a Will, deciding who to appoint as an executor is extremely important. The executor is the person or…
Considering gifts and inheritance tax
Many people want to give gifts to family and friends during their lifetime. Not only does this mean that you…
Long Covid and disability discrimination: advice for employers
Long Covid is a relatively new illness which is still not fully understood. The National Institute for Health and Care…
Employers, ensure you meet the legal requirements when hiring
The number of job vacancies available in the UK has hit an all-time high in the past couple of months,…
Is it possible to reduce inheritance tax liability through charitable gifting in Wills?
Last year more than £3 billion was left to charitable causes through Wills alone. Care needs to be taken to…
Cheltenham 2021 under the microscope with Callum Helliwell
Callum Helliwell is a Sky Sports Racing researcher & Goffs UK bid spotter
The Rural Team at Moore Barlow acts…
Carbon Trading and new environment agreements under agricultural tenancies
Following the introduction of Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) in place of the EU funded Basic Payment Scheme and the…
Felling licences and restocking notices – everything you need to know
When many people think of cutting down trees, their first thought can be to look at whether the trees are…
Top tips for managing finances as an attorney or deputy
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document which allows a person (known as…
Did you know that marriage or the creation of a civil partnership revokes a Will?
With marriages and civil partnerships having to be postponed on more than one occasion for a huge number of people…
Helping to protect your property and finances when diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
There are many things to deal with when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but what’s important to remember is that…
How long will it take to administer my estate?
One of the first questions I am asked by clients is how long will the administration of the estate take? …
What is the legal status of cryptocurrency in the UK?
What is cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a virtual currency which is recorded on a digital ‘ledger’. Cryptocurrency relies on distributed ledger…
Unfair health and safety related dismissal – Mr B Gibson v Lothian Leisure
Mr B Gibson v Lothian Leisure background
Like many businesses, Lothian Leisure faced issues when lockdown hit during March 2020.…
Department for Work and Pensions faced with £87.9m tax bill
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has faced a tax bill of £87.9 million, to cover missed tax and…
The Online Safety Bill: is the proposed law too drastic?
With the best of intentions, the government has now published the draft Online Safety Bill (OSB). It is designed to…
Trust documents – Rights of beneficiaries and obligations of trustees
Whether advising beneficiaries or trustees about their respective positions, the question of who may be entitled to documentation pertaining to…
Imposter syndrome in the legal profession and how it impacts your career
What is imposter syndrome?
To put it simply, imposter syndrome is the experience of feeling like a phony—you feel as…
Is the next of kin the same as having power of attorney?
The law can be scary and confusing to people who do not have much to do with it and, like…
Five reasons to make a Will in your 20s
Often, people in their twenties think they do not need a Will, and it is a task that remains low…
What if Britney was British? Decision making by deputies in England and Wales
You can’t help but notice that Britney Spears is splashed across the papers again with dramatic stories about her conservatorship…
Low pay commission publishes non-compliance and enforcement report
The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has published its fourth standalone report: Non-compliance and enforcement of the National Minimum Wage 2021.…
Fire and rehire tactics should be made illegal
A survey conducted for the GMB union has found that 76% of the UK public think that “fire and rehire”…
Right to work checks are being extended until 31 August 2021
Employers must ensure that every employee has the right to work in the UK. Right to work checks must be…
Professional Deputyships – Are they as scary as they seem? Clearing up the misconceptions
From the #FreeBritney campaign, a protest aiming to end the Conservatorship over pop singer Britney Spears to last year’s film…
A safer Internet of Things? Risks and future cybersecurity laws
As the technology sector matures, the risks that attach to personal computing are now more manageable. The market for all…
How to avoid paying inheritance tax unnecessarily
Administering the estate of someone who has recently died is often far from straightforward, and navigating your way round the…
Coronavirus: Changes to residential tenancy notice periods
The Coronavirus Act 2020 has been amended to change the notice periods for notices served on or after 1 June…
Paws for thought – where there’s a Will, there’s a way!
There are several considerations to think about when preparing a Will, but pets can often be overlooked. As a Labrador…
A day in the legal life of a trainee solicitor
Moore Barlow’s Rural Services team is now a leading regional and London team, and we want to hear from trainee…
Working a farm in a shifting environment
In November last year – following passing of the Agriculture Act 2020 (discussed in the last edition of Rural News)…
What does mental capacity mean?
Mental capacity is having the ability to make a decision, such as: what to wear; whether to have surgery or…
Farmers, mind your head
In 1964 Bob Dylan sang ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ and today this song holds particularly true for rural life…
Farm Business Tenancies: who drafts what for whom?
When drafting a farm business tenancy, it’s easy to get confused as to which documents a solicitor prepares and which…
Navigating the business visitor rules
With the free movement of people from Europe no longer possible following the end of the Brexit transition period, and…
What to do when a loved one dies
The loss of a loved one, whether it be a friend or a family member, can be an overwhelming time…
A guide to personal injury trusts
Clients who suffer personal injuries and are awarded compensation are often advised to set up what is known as a…
World Glaucoma Week 2021
It’s World Glaucoma Week (7 – 13 March 2021), an initiative of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA). The aim is…
Key areas of due diligence to focus on when preparing your company for sale
Selling your business is not easy. However, if pre-transaction due diligence is properly conducted, not only does it make the…
I’m thinking of selling my business. Will a vendor pack get me a better price?
The idea behind a vendor pack is primarily about setting up an auction on which potential bidders can bid, not…
Share-based incentives continue to shine
Preservation of cash whilst retaining key employees – welcome to the world of sharebased incentives.
Share-based incentives are not only…
Key areas of a sale agreement
A share purchase/sale agreement (“SPA”) is the principal document entered into between Buyer(s) and Seller(s) when negotiating the sale and…
Gender pay gap reporting
Last year, enforcement of gender pay gap reporting was suspended due to Covid and many firms chose not to submit…
Is grievance procedure proof of contract?
In Gordon v J & D Pierce (Contracts) Limited, a man’s claim for unfair dismissal was refused because an employment…
Recruiting overseas workers in 2021
Recruiting workers from overseas, whether from the EU or further afield, requires employers to navigate the UK’s immigration rules. For…
Where does the end of the Brexit transition period leave IP rights owners in the UK?
It is welcome news that the UK has finally secured a reasonably comprehensive Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) with the…
Due diligence considerations in relation to the Government’s CBILS and BBLS
As a result of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the British Government introduced state backed loan facilities schemes. The schemes are…
A holiday fit for a queen
In November 2020, the Government announced an extra bank holiday for June 2022 in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.…
Covid-19 rent arrears enforcement
To provide further clarity for landlords and tenants, on 19 June 2020 the Government published guidance for the commercial property…
Agricultural tenancy reform update
In an earlier edition of Rural News, we considered the proposals put forward in the Defra Consultation Paper on Agricultural…
What does Brexit mean for your workforce?
The end of the transition period on 31 December 2020 means your business should be taking preparatory steps now to…
Promoting the role of the Nurse on World Diabetes Day
They never judge, they never give up, they make things work.A diabetic’s view of the care the nurses provide
It…
Government support for jobs and the self-employed is extended into 2021
The government has just announced further extensions to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), also known as the furlough scheme,…
Update to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
SEISS has been extended for a further six months, with two grants available covering each three month period. In order…
World Stroke Day 2020
Strokes can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. One in four of us will have a stroke in our lifetime, but most…
Catastrophic injury: the pathway to achieving great rehabilitation outcomes
When a person suffers a serious personal injury, it is an incredibly challenging time for both the injured person and…
Tax relief for heroes: is the Government finally recognising our forces’ sacrifices
With Remembrance Day coming up in the 75th year after the end of World War II, a year which has…
Four stages in the administration of an estate
This blog explains the stages and timescales involved when you are the executor of someone’s affairs and have a legal…
The privacy shield is illegal
On 16 July, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that the mechanism that allowed the transfer…
Personality clash dismissal permitted
In most cases, dismissal of an employee without following any sort of formal procedure would lead to the conclusion that…
Employment Tribunal grants interim relief to dismissed employee
In the case of Morales v Premier Fruits (Covent Garden) Ltd the Claimant, Mr Morales, was employed by Premier Fruits…
Week’s pay for a week’s furlough
With many companies starting to make redundancies as the furlough scheme begins to wind down, there has been much discussion…
Over two years on: ensuring you are still GDPR compliant as an employer
The 25 May 2020 marked two years since the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into force. Within the UK…
An adventure with venture capital
Venture Capital (VC) funds are investors who provide expertise and capital (called venture capital) in privately funded companies at an…
Electric scooters UK law – do’s and don’ts
With the emergence of technological advances, we are now starting to see the start of the “transport revolution” promised by…
Coronavirus: will I have to wear a face mask at court?
It has been announced that from 27th July Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) will ask everyone going to…
New support for directors: Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020
On 26 June 2020 the Government’s new Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (CIGA) came into force. CIGA sets out…
Coronavirus: weddings can now take place, but should you also consider a pre-nuptial agreement?
The Government recently announced that from 4th July couples can now get married in England with up to 30 guests…
The Cumberlege report: informed consent revisited
Last week saw the publication of “First Do No Harm”, a review led by former junior health Minister Baroness Julia…
Divorce in Scotland and England – how different are the rules?
The recent case of Mr and Mrs Villiers (Villiers v Villiers [2020] UKSC 30) is a reminder that divorce law…
The variations enigma – TUPE and pre-transfer changes
In the case of Ferguson and others v Astrea Asset Management Ltd, four directors and shareholders of an estate management…
Leaving annual leave too late
We are receiving a lot of enquiries regarding staff holiday and holiday-pay during coronavirus.As we ease our way out of…
Making your workplace Covid-19 secure
As the stay at home rule relaxes and businesses get the green light to re-open, employers are making plans to…
Flexible furlough scheme confirmed by Treasury Direction
The Treasury Direction covering the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has been updated to cover the amendments to the original…
How to cope with separation and divorce anxiety during Covid-19
The trials of family life are different for everyone but in this crisis situation that we are experiencing now thanks to…
The execution of electronic corporate documents during COVID-19
The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we approach certain elements of signing practices. Following the lockdown, we had…
Why insolvency doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a business
Scenario D
Your bank is taking all of the downside risk, and your PE House is taking most of the…
Insolvency isn’t always the answer – why it’s important to think outside the box
Scenario A
A group with a £200m pension deficit but achieving £6m EBITDA – what should a new management team…
How to negotiate in a difficult business situation? Why it is important to act fast and be decisive
Scenario B
The bank had lost confidence in a management team. The company had £40m of debt and capital assets…
Corporate business recovery: what to do when your business is in trouble
We understand that the landscape is incredibly difficult for businesses at the moment, and that things are changing day by…
Directors’ decisions: call a moratorium for 20 days?
Government announce plans to protect businesses
During the current COVID-19 crisis the government have announced new plans to help directors…
Getting ahead of the game – ensuring employment contracts are compliant
The current lockdown is undoubtedly a strange time for us all. However, it does offer an opportunity to pick up…
The Agriculture Bill
At the time of writing this article (the end of February), the Agriculture Bill is wending its way through the…
Caring for farmers with dementia
It is generally accepted that the health and social care sector is facing some of its greatest challenges to date.…
UK points-based immigration system policy update
On 19 February, the government published the first details about its proposed new Immigration system planned to be operational on…
Farming divorces
Dealing with a divorce is stressful enough but when farmers divorce there are usually additional considerations. It is not uncommon…
An extension to the furlough scheme – but at what cost?
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a further extension to the Job Retention Scheme until 31 October 2020. In his speech…
Executing and witnessing agreements and deeds during COVID-19
As a result of drastic unprecedented measures being implemented worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people in…
Smartphone contact tracing and data privacy: the Isle of Wight experiment
On Tuesday 5 May, the government made available the trial of the NHS contact tracing app (“test, track and trace”)…
Directors’ difficult decisions during the COVID-19 lockdown
What can directors continue to do to ensure good governance of their business?
The directors of companies in the UK…
COVID-19: Government financial support for businesses
The government has introduced various forms of financial assistance to businesses in response to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Due to…
Trade mark strategies in a pandemic outbreak
As with all significant events, novel viruses being no exception, people capitalise on ideas for products and services that could…
The Impact of the Coronavirus Act 2020 on NHS Continuing Healthcare
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care funded entirely by the NHS for individuals who have complex, ongoing needs.…
The Impact of the Coronavirus Act 2020 on Social Care
The Coronavirus Act 2020 amends key legislation in light of the current pandemic and aims to alleviate the burden on…
EMI schemes in COVID-19
What is an EMI Option Scheme?
Away from the legal jargon, an option is just an agreement that gives someone…
The job retention scheme: further guidance
Following on from our previous updates on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, both the government and the Treasury have provided…
Debt recovery during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown since 23 March 2020 has raised unprecedented challenges to businesses across the UK. Some…
Changes to written statements of terms
Section 1 of the Employment Rights Act sets out the right for an employee to be given a statement of…
Employment law factsheet 2020
Whilst businesses are busy organising their workforces during the current Covid-19, there are a number of changes effective from 6…
Data privacy implications of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Data privacy law has always tried to strike a balance between individual rights and overwhelming social needs. With the COVID-19…
Job retention scheme – new guidance
The government has updated its guidance on the Job Retention Scheme which we have summarised below.
Two additional requirements for…
Wrongful trading rules suspension: be careful what you wish for!
Due to the material impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on UK business, the Government announced on 28 March amendments to…
Assistance if you are self-employed
Following on from our articles on the Job Retention Scheme, we address here the support available from the government for…
How can I resolve things with my ex in self-isolation?
It is a very unsettling and difficult time for us all at the moment, but none more so than for…
Have you taken the cohabitation plunge due to lockdown?
Many couples have taken the romantic or maybe the practical decision to live together during the lockdown so they can…
Immigration for schools update: sponsored students affected by Coronavirus
The Home Office has released updated guidance to deal with individuals affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus (COVID-19).
Tier…
Coronavirus: Business Interruption Loan Scheme – Further details on Lending Criteria
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) is now available.…
Applying for a visa to come to the UK during the coronavirus epidemic
At present, UK Visas & Immigration case working and compliance teams are still functioning and pending applications are being processed,…
Covid-19: Finally clarity for separated families
Michael Gove had to apologise this morning on BBC Radio 4 for creating confusion over his comments on Good Morning…
Covid-19: Reality-checking your separation
We are living in unprecedented times. The next 3- 6 months are going to be really challenging for us all.…
Coronavirus – how are child arrangements impacted following a separation or divorce?
What should you do if you and your household are self isolating, but your child[ren] are due to spend time…
A family lawyer’s take on The Split
Like many of us who enjoy a gripping legal drama, I have recently enjoyed watching the second series of the…
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – employment issues update
Further to our Coronavirus Employment Law Issues article issued recently, we now have the latest information and guidance concerning the employment law…
I’m getting divorced – what happens to pets?
In a divorce or separation often one of the more contentious and emotive issues can be the question of who…
UK announces new immigration system
The new Points-Based Immigration System will award points for an appropriate job offer, English language skills, and a salary threshold.…
Immigration update: Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance
The Home Office has updated it’s guidance for individuals affected by travel restrictions associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Due to travel…
Firms failing to pay minimum wage
According to the Resolution Foundation think tank, one in four people over the age of 25 are beingpaid less than…
£17,000 for sacked pregnant worker
Liz Earle beauty company has admitted to falling “short of our standards” after they were ordered to pay £17k to…
Samira Ahmed wins equal pay tribunal
One of the BBC’s most high-profile presenters, Samira Ahmed, has won the equal pay tribunal shebrought against the broadcaster.
Ahmed,…
Top 5 things everyone should know about pre-nups
Pre-nuptial agreements (“pre-nups”) have become more popular in recent years, but they are not just for the rich and famous.…
Two new pre-action Housing Protocols introduced: Social Possession and Housing Conditions
Two new pre-action protocols were introduced on 13 January 2020. These were a new and revised pre-action protocol for possession…
Is family mediation a cheaper way of sorting out my divorce/separation?
When couples separate or divorce they need to sort out how they are going to divide their finances, and the…
What if I want to mediate but my husband doesn’t?
Frequently separating or divorcing partners / spouses want to sort out the division of their finances and/or the arrangements for…
FAQs on mediation
What is mediation?…
Look forward to a new decade by looking back
At the start of every year it’s natural to look back and consider not only what’s been achieved, but also…
FAQs on arbitration
What is arbitration?…
New year, new you – can you have a ‘healthy’ divorce?
Along with the pledge to get healthier, this time of year sees many couples decide that the New Year is…
Forum Shopping – where should I get divorced?
Sometimes when a couple divorces it is important to consider which country should and can deal with the divorce. This…
Food injury claims – a duty of care to avoid personal injury
The scope of personal injury claims is ever increasing in relation to potential claims involving food and environmental changes. Our…
When corporate structures and rugby collide
Not long after the dust had settled on the World Cup, Lord Dyson recently ruled that the rugby club Saracens…
Dispelling the myths around joint accounts
There are many myths about joint accounts, especially concerning what happens if something happens to one of the joint account…
When a Power of Attorney is not in place
What happens when you can’t manage your financial affairs due to ill health and nothing has been put in place?…
Top FAQs on cohabitation and children
Can I claim on my partners’ house?…
Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts (NRB DT)
Inheritance Tax (IHT), quite often called a voluntary tax, remains an emotional topic. Every person has an allowance, also known…
When can holiday pay be rolled over?
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) recently heard two combined Finnish cases concerningemployees who hadn’t been able to take full…
Applications for relief from forfeiture can extend to licences
The recent decision in The Manchester Ship Canal Company Ltd v. Vauxhall Motors Ltd [2019] has expanded the Court’s jurisdiction…
When a Last Will and Testament returns to haunt families and executors
The recent discovery by Lloyds Bank of more than 9,000 forgotten Wills, which it had retained for ‘safe custody’, highlights…
Making gifts
If you are considering giving a gift to a loved one, you should be aware of the myths that exist…
New NHS Visa
The Conservatives are planning to introduce a “NHS visa” as part of their proposals for an Australian style points based…
New guidance on confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements from the Equality and Human Rights Commission
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has this month issued guidance on the use of confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements.…
Improper behaviour can lead to section 111A negotiations being admissible in Court
In the case of Harrison v Aryman Limited, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“the EAT”) has recently decided that a pre-termination negotiation…
Immigration update – How Brexit will affect schools sponsoring international students
In this article we look at the recent developments affecting schools sponsoring international students, and discuss some of the anticipated…
Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) Update – recent developments
The past few months have seen a number of developments regarding the on-going impact of increases in employer contributions to…
This New Year’s Eve brings in changes to Civil Partnerships
Since 5th December 2005 it has been possible for members of the same sex to enter into a civil partnership,…
How can mindfulness be part of Road Safety?
Mindfulness is a concept that has grown in popularity over the last few years. Whether it is to assist with…
Distractions whilst driving
Distractions whilst driving is the most common cause of road traffic accidents in the UK.
Some of the most common…
Don’t drink and drive!
In 2017, there was a total of 8,600 casualties caused by a person drink-driving in the UK. 1,640 of those…
Four key considerations when selling your business
When the decision is finally made to sell a business, the prospect of receiving the full consideration often outweighs anything…
Raising equity finance
So what is it and how do you go about raising equity finance? Equity financing is a way of raising…
Don’t be haunted by the pitfalls of poor estate planning and will preparation
When it comes to considering the horrors of life and the risk of being haunted by poor decisions, an often…
Bonfire Night – Accidents and Claims
Celebrating Bonfire Night with fireworks and a blazing bonfire is one of the great fixtures of the British calendar and…
Farming, family and divorce
Dealing with a divorce is stressful enough, but when farmers divorce there are usually additional considerations. It is not uncommon…
Restrictions to the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa, are they required?
This visa is for leading individuals in the fields of science, humanities, engineering, the arts and digital technology. It has…
Funding care for farmers
For anyone requiring long-term care the impact on family can be devastating, but for farmers it can affect their business…
Proposals for agricultural tenancy reform
Moore Blatch has recently responded to the Defra Consultation paper on proposed reform of agricultural tenancy legislation, based on our…
Receivers can issue possession proceedings against borrowers
The High Court has recently confirmed that receivers appointed over individual borrowers can issue possession proceedings against those borrowers. Until…
Case Law update – tenancy status of agricultural workers’ spouses
Hook and another v. Hawkins [2019] UKUT 147 (LC)…
UK Innovator and Start Up Visa, is it a success?
It seems that these new visa’s which were introduced earlier this year are very difficult and hardly anyone is able…
Wrongly calculated holiday pay
Harpur Trust v Brazel [2019]…
Supervisor ordered to pay compensation
In an “unusual” move, a tribunal has ruled that a supervisor (as opposed to the employer) should pay a Claimant…
Immigration changes scheduled for the 6th October 2019
The main change will be the amendment of the Shortage Occupation List, with many roles being added to the list…
What happens when you don’t have a Power of Attorney in place?
Contrary to popular belief, nobody has an automatic right to manage someone else’s finances, even if they are related, married…
The Internet of Things (IoT): Helpful or Harmful?
The outstanding progression of technology in the 21st Century has resulted in the phenomenon known as ‘the Internet of Things’;…
The importance of NHS Continuing Healthcare for Financial Advisers
The FTAdviser reports this week on the risk of litigation if a financial adviser has failed to consider all of…
What if my partner tries to hide money in our divorce proceedings?
It is not uncommon for spouses to be worried that their ex will try to hide assets, or lie about…
Agricultural Estate Planning Archers Style – How NOT to do it!
Here at Moore Blatch, we love wealth protection – so it always raises a smile when others are equally fascinated…
Are you liable for an employee’s Facebook post?
Forbes v LHR Airport Ltd…
Health is everyone’s business
Wanting to reduce ill-health related job loss in the UK, in July this year the government launched aconsultation entitled “Health…
Family holiday plans gone to Ashes
What you need to know about taking children abroad after separation
The Ashes test series has begun, the sun is…
When should a health and welfare deputy be appointed?
Deciding to appoint a deputy for health and welfare for your family member will always be a difficult decision. The…
No10’s first cohabiting couple
As Boris Johnson settles in to his new residence at No 10 Downing Street with girlfriend Carrie Symonds it seems…
Impact of Annual Reviews on Care Provision
If you receive a financial contribution towards your care fees, either as a result of NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, or…
Should the salary threshold for Tier 2 workers be reduced?
There are suggestions that the next Prime Minster should lower the salary threshold from £30,000 to £20,000. Industry experts believe…
Would an Australian points based system work in the UK?
Boris Johnson has recommended that we move towards an ‘Australian style’ points based system. We already have a points based…
Tribunal procedure – strike out
ICTS Limited v Visram.…
Married fathers: an exceptional parental responsibility status?
Recent case law and statutes have reiterated time and again the importance of the child’s welfare. How does this link…
Offensive language during training
Theresa Georges v Pobl Group Ltd.…
Should the government guarantee the rights of EU Citizens living in the UK?
The Commons Home Affairs Committee said technical issues had ‘blighted’ the scheme with some struggling to navigate the online application…
The devastating effects of catastrophic lower limb injuries
Catastrophic injuries to the lower limbs can take many forms from complex compound tibia and fibula fractures to multi-ligamentous injuries…
Keeping children safe on bicycles
Cycling is a great way for children to keep fit as well as allowing them to get about independently. However,…
Integrating back into work after an Acquired Brain Injury
Following knowledge of an acquired brain injury, there are a lot of factors for the injured person to consider and…
It’s time to knockout those separating myths
With heavy weight boxer Anthony Joshua looking for a knock out against his opponent this weekend, we look at 5…
What if I want to divorce my husband/wife but they have dementia?
Separating from your partner or getting divorced can be traumatic and stressful. As a family law solicitor and mediator I…
Transaction top tips
We are seeing numerous transactions in the TMT sector, many of which are a consolidation of the market. Additionally, a…
Why Paul and Alex Hollywood may regret not continuing with family mediation
The press has recently reported that Paul Hollywood and his wife of 20 years, Alex, will be going to court…
A new royal baby and the possible legal issues arising with parents from different backgrounds
With the birth of the latest royal baby, Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, we have seen the first mixed race child…
Should employers sponsor their highly skilled EU Workers if there is a no deal Brexit?
If the UK leaves the EU with no deal, we are now recommending that employers should at least consider sponsoring…
What are the common causes of Brain Injury?
Brain injury can be a frightening term. Often the subject of hospital television dramas it can seem an abstract concept…
Make your employees beam with a share scheme
Employee share schemes are increasingly common and increasingly seen as a cost-effective incentive for rapidly growing businesses in a range…
Employees can investigate before end of police inquiries
In the case of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust v Gregg, the Court of Appeal confirmed that an employer…
When sacking isn’t religious discrimination
In the case of De Groen v Gan Menachem Hendon, a teacher was sacked from an ‘ultra-orthodox’ Jewish nursery in…
Who do you think you are? The increase in DNA testing
The popular BBC programme “Who Do You Think You Are?” highlights how interested we have all become in our family…
Don’t let your divorce hit the bunker’ 5 easy-to-make mistakes on separation
Any keen golfer (or golf widow) will know that the prospect of teeing off and landing straight in the bunker…
Is divorce all about dividing the prize winnings at the end of a big race?
Separating from your partner can feel as though you are swept up in a never ending steeplechase with ‘money’ being…
New start-up and innovator visas encourage entrepreneurs to the UK
The Government has introduced two new visa routes for entrepreneurs.
The start-up visa, this visa is for those wishing to…
Prince Andrew & Fergie – Pre Nuptial Agreement?
The self proclaimed ‘worlds happiest separated couple’ Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Fergie (Sarah Ferguson), may tie the knot…
Does suspension breach the implied term of trust and confidence?
In London Borough of Lambeth v Agoreyo the Court of Appeal recently considered the circumstances in which an employee may be…
Fee fraud – what can schools do?
“Invoice fraud”, “mandate fraud”, “transfer fraud”: this particular scam has acquired many names over the years and now fraudsters are known to…
What counts as ‘long term’ in determining if an employee has a disability?
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has recently considered the meaning of “long term” and “substantial” when assessing whether a person is disabled for the…
Is there a post-brexit solution for farm workers?
The issues in relation to retaining agricultural workers surmising rotting fruit mountains have been widely reported by the media. Talk…
Assets of community value
The recent case of Banner Homes Limited v St Albans City and District Council illustrates how the Asset of Community…
If the beast from the east struck again
A year ago this month ‘The Beast from the East’ cold wave hit the UK, causing chaos up and down…
Occupying land without a written lease, license or agreement
Problems and confusion can often arise where someone is occupying an area of land without any written basis for doing…
How to protect your business after Brexit
With so much uncertainty about Brexit, many employers are anxious about the status of their EU employees and employment in…
Family Mediation – covering everything you need
Generally, the issues you face upon a divorce or separation are threefold: legal; emotional and financial. Mediation is a bespoke…
What are the benefits of family mediation?
As a family law solicitor and Law Society accredited mediator I regularly assist clients going through a separation or divorce…
Everything you need to know about Lasting Power of Attorneys
Record numbers of people are formally assigning emergency decision-making to those they trust with a Lasting Power of Attorney. 726,000…
2019 resolutions for selling your business
If the festive break has hardened your resolve to sell your business, these handy tips on what to do in…
When is a resignation not a resignation? The case of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust v Levy
In the case of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust v Levy, an employee in the Trust’s Records department…
Morrisons loses at High Court
The supermarket Morrisons has failed in its challenge to the High Court that it be held liable for a security…
Moore Barlow’s top rules for transactions
Benjamin Franklin said “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” and that is never more than true in…
Start-up visas for tech companies – what’s all the hype about?
During this year’s London Tech Week, a new visa route aimed at the tech industry was announced. The Start Up…
Government launches LGBT action plan
Following a national survey of LGBT people, the Government Equalities Office (GEO) has published the LGBT Action Plan: Improving the Lives…
Confused about holiday pay?
‘Flowers V East of England Ambulance Trust’This case centres around a group of claimants who worked for East of England…
Should you pay national minimum wage for sleep-in/on-call workers?
‘Royal Mencap Society v Tomlinson-Blake’This case considered whether two care workers (Mrs Tomlinson-Blake and Mr Shannon) were entitled to national…
Farm labour shortage addressed – but is it enough?
Last week the government announced a new nationwide pilot scheme for seasonal agricultural workers from outside EEA countries to come…
An employer can still raise issues on remedy despite failing to lodge a claim on time
The Court of Appeal has recently ruled that an employer who failed to lodge an ET3 in response to an…
Boundary disputes and encroachments
Rural and agricultural properties and Estates often have boundaries that are not clearly demarcated by physical boundary structures. …
Will my ex-wife be able to ask me for more money in the future?
You may have seen in the press recently the case in which the Supreme Court grappled with this question. …
EPCs and assured shorthold tenancies
From April 2018 it is now a legal requirement for all new private tenancies to be of properties with an…
Who can see my will?
We are frequently contacted by individuals wanting to confirm if we are holding a family member’s will.…
Case law update – confusion over shared parental leave
In our last monthly update we commented on the case of Ali v Capita Customer Management Ltd. This case concluded…
Employment contracts failure to detail when notice is given
The case of Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust v Haywood considered the matter of when the notice of termination…
Relief against forefiture
It is a principle of public policy that the law should not allow offenders to benefit from their own crime;…
Potted history of Moore Barlow
As a recent addition to Moore Barlow, when joining I was asked by family members “What firm are your joining?…
Estate administration
As life gets more complicated, so do the financial affairs that need to be settled after death. This is a…
Section 21 Notices seeking possession of rented residential property (Post-1 October 2015)
What is a Section 21 Notice?…
GDPR and safeguarding in schools: what you need to know
The General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which came into force on the 25 May, needs no introduction. You probably know…
Windrush day – what really happens at Home Office appointments?
We recently attended an appointment at the Home Office with one of our Windrush clients who has been considerably affected…
Government Proposals for Three Year Minimum Term Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements
As part of its plans to tackle the UK’s housing crisis the government has of late been concentrating on the…
Section 21 Notices seeking possession of rented residential property (Pre-1 October 2015)
There are different rules for termination of assured shorthold tenancies granted before 1 October 2015 to those granted after, when…
Update on EMI Options – 2
You will be aware from our EMI Option Scheme update found here that there was a lapse in the State Aid Approval…
How best to protect your assets when in a relationship or contemplating marriage
When you commence a new relationship or get engaged protecting your assets is probably not the first thing on your…
GDPR and Immigration Exemptions
In a few weeks, data protection rules across Europe will experience their biggest change in the last 20 years. On…
A brief examination of new Government plans to help Windrush families
The Government has published new guidance for undocumented Commonwealth citizens, Amber Rudd has resigned and Sajid Javid has been appointed the new Home Secretary,…
Beware of annual reviews
Anyone who receives a financial contribution towards their care fees, either as a result of NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, or…
The high street suffers despite falling unemployment – ensure redundancy policy is fair
We have just seen the lowest unemployment figures since May 1975, but despite this positive outlook, in many parts of…
Recruiting seasonal workers after Brexit – possible solutions?
The issue of immigration has featured prominently in the Brexit debate. Following the decision to leave in June 2016, the…
Failure to enhance shared parental leave is not direct sex discrimination
The case of Capita v Ali concerns a father who took shared parental leave so that his wife could go…
Agency workers cannot be paid more to avoid equal terms of employment
Regulation 5 of the Agency Workers Regulation 2010 (‘AWR’) states that an agency worker is entitled to the same basic…
Are you doing the Resident Labour Market test correctly?
The recent High Court decision in R (Khan) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2018] EWHC 105 (Admin) case illustrates…
CCGs being challenged for failure to provide personalised care packages
The media is rife with the news that a number of Clinical Commissioning Groups (the NHS bodies responsible for making…
£47,000 for transgender Primark employee following “shocking” discrimination
Gender reassignment is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. Yet a case recently emerged in which a female…
Incentivising key employees
A modern employee incentive means more than just salary…
EMI Schemes in technology businesses
Forgive me for harping on, but I am passionate about EMI Schemes and their benefits. If you are not, allow…
Peckish Brits go chicken crazy
KFC’s raison d’etre is chicken. So, one would assume, they would ensure at all costs that it has chicken in…
Stanhope-Seta – interview with director, Giles Verity
What will happen when the oil runs out? In particular to those companies involved in black gold? It’s a question…
Family Mediation Week
As it is Family Mediation Week I took part in a live Twitter Q & A on Wednesday to answer…
Common mediation misconceptions
I commonly come across the following mediation misconceptions in my role as a family mediator:…
How did our corporate team achieve a Net Promoter Score of 81? While doing £500m of deals in just 18 months
Moore Blatch has extensive experience in IT transactions and helping clients to achieve the best price. …
13 years of Back Holiday Pay for Window Salesman
A window salesman has been awarded 13 years of unpaid holiday pay by the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) in…
Should a part-time worker be paid 50% of a full-time salary?
The Part Time Workers Regulations 2000 state that part-time workers cannot be treated less favourably than their full-time counterparts. In…
Sleep-in staff (minimum wage enforcement)
Sleep-in shifts have recently hit the news following a leaked report which revealed many council employees were being paid below…
Are you up-to-date with the new ‘Vento bands’?
Those that are successful in a discrimination claim can be awarded compensation for injury caused to feelings as a result…
Considering taking on a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal agreement allowing an individual to give authority to someone they trust…
An update on the gig economy
The term ‘gig economy’ is a fairly new term which you are likely to have heard in the media. Some…
Personal Injury Trust
If you are awarded compensation after suffering a personal injury, and you are also receiving means-tested benefits, it may surprise…
Apprenticeship levy- Are you prepared?
As you may have seen in the media recently, despite Brexit, the new apprenticeship levy (“Levy”) is still expected to…
Do you operate a holiday year from 1st April – 31st March? If so watch out!
Attention employers! Due to the way that the Easter bank holidays fall this year and next year, it is anticipated…
Divorce case of Mrs and Mr Owens
In the wake of the striking divorce case of Mrs and Mr Owens, BBC Radio Solent spoke to Debra Emery,…
Protecting the bank of mum and dad
As we enter 2017, there is a higher-than-normal degree of uncertainty regarding the prospects of the UK economy and the…
Gender pay gap reporting- is your company prepared?
The final draft of the Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017 (“the Regulations”) has now been published…
Key employment law changes expected in 2017
Every year seems to bring with it changes in the world of employment law and 2017 is set to be…
What is ‘Gratuitous Care’?
Imagine what would happen if somebody in your close family were to be seriously injured in an accident. They would…
Psychiatric Injury – time for reform?
27 years after Hillsborough, the jury who heard two years of evidence at the highly publicised inquests into the deaths…
Compensation for the loss of a loved one – how are damages quantified?
When an individual successfully brings a personal injury or clinical negligence claim, they will typically be awarded a lump sum…
Five key stages of a claim
When you have suffered a serious injury that wasn’t your fault your world can be turned upside down. You may…
