Buying a listed building
When buying a listed building, prospective buyers are often confronted with complicated legal jargon. Among these terms for listed properties,…
Moore Barlow
Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for England – advice for landlords, tenants and professional advisers
The new Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for England was published this month (April 2024), with a keen…
Dad – Dementia – Devastation
I remember the afternoon all too well. I received a call, out of the blue, from my mum. She was…
Ramadan reflections – Navigating religious holidays as a young legal professional
As Ramadan draws to a close, Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr to commemorate the end of…
What is divorce coaching? Your key questions answered
There are many ways we can support you through your divorce or separation.
Having retired as a lawyer I wanted…
An update for landowners on residential tenancies
The legal landscape for residential tenancies has changed significantly in recent years, and navigating the pitfalls and challenges is a…
The importance of a land registry title plan
In the realm of rural property transactions, the significance of meticulous attention to detail cannot be overstated. One critical aspect…
Finding a Notary Public can be like searching for a needle in a haystack
Our landed estates and farming team is very pleased to be able to offer notarial services via Solicitor, Louise Williams,…
Introduction to the Electronic Communications Code for landowners
What is the Electronic Communications Code?
The Electronic Communications Code (Schedule 3A of the Communications Act 2003 as part of…
Lasting Power of Attorney for rural businesses
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows the…
Environmental Permits for Domestic Sewage Discharge
When buying a residential property not connected to mains sewage, care must be taken to check whether a small sewage…
Is Biodiversity Net Gain a viable source of diversification?
The Government has now brought into force (on 12 February 2024) the long-expected measure to ensure that the replacement of…
Amending a governing document
Earlier this month, the latest phase of the Charities Act 2022 was brought into force. This includes further harmonisation of…
Family friendly legislation – Upcoming changes to family leave
As 2024 gets well underway, we take a look at several employment law changes that come into effect this year.…
Heat of the moment resignations
The recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (the “EAT”) decision in the case of Omar v Epping Forest District Citizens Advice has…
Government draft code on ‘fire and re-hire’ updated
The Government published its updated draft Code of Practice on dismissal and re-engagement (colloquially known as ‘fire and re-hire’) on…
NHS Ombudsman says there are still “too many examples of care not being safe”
In an interview with the Guardian, the Chair of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, Mr Rob Behrens, discussed some…
Are you ready for the new employment rates and limits?
With April 2024 approaching, it is important that schools ensure they are ready for the annual increases to the employment…
What is the Victims’ Code?
The Victims’ Code is a useful document setting out what victims of crime may expect of those who work within…
Can a neighbour erect scaffolding on your property?
What are your rights when a neighbours scaffolding has been erected on your side of a boundary?
More often than…
How to use restrictive covenants in commercial contracts
What are restrictive covenants?
Restrictive covenants are contractual clauses which protect one party’s (the beneficiary’s) key commercial interests. These covenants…
NSI regime – Understanding the new National Security Framework
The United Kingdom implemented an expansive national security regime on 4 January 2022, marking a significant milestone following the passage…
Wasted management time – What can you claim for?
A great deal time can be taken up dealing with the consequences of a wrongful act. For example, a business…
International Woman’s Day – Inspire Inclusion
International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8th, promotes a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and…
What is a partnership agreement and why do I need one?
If you are entering into a business partnership, it is important that you each agree on how the business will…
What are tag along & drag along rights?
Tag-along and drag-along rights are important clauses commonly found in shareholders’ agreements and / or the articles of association of…
Multiple Dwellings Relief to be abolished from 1 June 2024 – your key questions answered
It has been announced by the government in the 2024 Spring Budget that Stamp Duty Land Tax (‘SDLT’) Multiple Dwellings…
Is divorce declining?
The number of divorces in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest rate since 1971 according to figures released …
What is a settlement meeting?
Although issuing a legal claim may ultimately result in a formal trial, the vast majority of issued claims are resolved…
How can you tell if a “very odd will” is a forged Will or is simply unusual?
In a recent case at Chelmsford Crown Court, Luke D’Wit faced allegations that he poisoned and murdered the Baxter’s (millionaire…
Can you dispose of equipment left behind by an outgoing tenant?
An outgoing tenant left equipment behind – can I sell it? The lease will generally oblige the tenant to remove…
How do you deal with a deceased’s estate?
When a loved one passes away, they leave their estate behind. Every person’s estate is different and therefore it can…
World Encephalitis Day: Championing enhanced training for medical professionals
Recognising and treating encephalitis promptly can be the difference between life and death, or disability. It’s evident there’s an urgent…
Are you prepared for a health emergency?
In recent weeks the Royal Family have shown that they are as susceptible as the rest of us to health-related…
Securing your future: An essential guide to Consent Orders in divorce
Many wonder about the necessity of a Consent Order, especially when it comes to achieving a ‘clean break’ from financial…
Damaged frozen embryos – do you have a compensation claim?
Guy’s Hospital have revealed that faulty freezing fluid has been used on embryos in September and October 2022. The result…
Is it an end of an era for video witnessing wills?
COVID-19, with no doubt, led to some confusion on how Wills were to be signed and witnessed, whilst adhering to…
Can the court force me to mediate?
Mediation is a popular form of alternative dispute resolution (‘ADR’). There are others including arbitration, adjudication and expert determination. Mediation…
Buying a house with room for a home office
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the desire for a dedicated workspace at home has become increasingly prevalent. As a result, lots…
Buying a property with a swimming pool – everything you need to know
If you are buying a new home, you may be considering buying a property with a swimming pool. Or perhaps…
Why you should instruct a specialist in a fatal collision claim
I have been reflecting on two related cases where we were instructed in a civil insurance claim by the families…
Traumatic strokes and road accidents
My name is Matt Tuff. I am a Senior Associate solicitor in the Major Trauma Department at Moore Barlow. Today…
Mental capacity following a traumatic brain injury
My name is Matt Tuff and I am a Senior Associate solicitor in the Major Trauma Department at Moore Barlow.…
Can a beneficiary challenge a solicitor’s fees incurred through administering an estate?
It appears that a beneficiary can challenge a solicitor’s fees incurred through administering an estate, after the Court of Appeal…
Why reporting medical conditions to the DVLA can save lives on our roads
The DVLA require those with a driving licence to notify them of reportable medical conditions so that they can consider…
Part 36 Offer in settlement of a personal injury claim
What to do when your opponent makes a strategic early Part 36 Offer in settlement of a Personal Injury claim?…
Who can I bring to Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a holistic approach to conflict resolution. Unlike adversarial methods like going to court, it emphasises collaboration and…
Why do I need a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)?
Embarking on the journey of family mediation marks a pivotal decision in resolving disputes amicably. Family mediation is a voluntary…
Is paternity fraud a crime in the UK?
Paternity fraud is a relatively new area of claim which has a huge impact on all members of the families…
New holiday rules that apply to part-year and irregular hours workers
The Employment Rights (Amendment, Revocation and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2023 (the Regulations), which were published at the end of last…
Where does the Supreme Court’s Judgment leave us in secondary victim claims in the medical negligence setting?
What are secondary victim claims?
Secondary victim claims are brought by individuals who have witnessed death or injury (or threat…
Draft transgender guidance for schools – the key points explained
This long awaited and delayed government draft transgender guidance for schools was finally published on 19 December 2023. It’s called…
Planning permission rules for developments
Achieving planning permission can be an uphill struggle for developers. You have probably visualised the project and built it in…
Should I consider taking venture capital into my business?
It’s worth saying, a business has done well even to merit asking this question. But, once it reaches a certain…
The recognition of international divorce
Current landscape of international divorce
By the year ending June 2021, there were 6 million people living in the UK…
The fundamentals of making a personal injury claim
In any personal injury claim, investigating negligence is a crucial phase for both parties when it comes to determining fault…
Supporting co-parents at Christmas – how we can help
With Christmas fast-approaching, it is a good time to reflect on a difficult issue – how to co-parent through separation.…
How can the court assist unmarried couples and families upon relationship breakdown?
Whilst couples and parents sadly going through relationship breakdown always hope that they will resolve any dispute in an amicable…
Anticipating change: The future of cohabitation law in the UK
Family lawyers were understandably disappointed when, at the end of 2022, the Government rejected calls to reform the law relating…
Christmas means different things for different people
Christmas – it can be the most wonderful day of the year for all ages. During the challenges we have…
What are the property rights for unmarried couples?
Setting up home with a new partner can be and should be a very exciting time. You have your whole…
To stay or leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
To stay or leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme as employer contribution rate rise to 28.6%
Recently, the Government announced a…
Updated guidance on managing sick leave in school
Schools should be aware of the recent guidance issued to help employers in managing sick leave in school, particularly as…
Understanding company dividends: a comprehensive overview
As a shareholder, understanding the details surrounding dividends is not just beneficial but essential for making informed decisions regarding your…
How can I resolve a dispute between myself and my ex-partner?
When cohabiting couples find themselves in the unfortunate situation of their relationship breaking down, an already stressful and turbulent time…
When do couples need a cohabitation agreement?
Moving in together is an exciting time, a new chapter in a relationship. In the UK more modern-day families consist…
What duty does a car driver owe to a pedestrian?
The law places a much heavier obligation on drivers than it does on pedestrians when using the roads. A car…
Locked box transactions: Understanding the locked box mechanism
What is the locked box mechanism?
The locked box mechanism is a pricing approach used in company acquisitions that simplifies…
The Inheritance on Channel 5
A month on since the last episode of Channel 5 The Inheritance aired, which you can still stream on catch…
How do I check who the shareholders of a company are?
How often is shareholder information updated?
Every private company limited by shares is legally required to notify Companies House of…
What are the pros and cons of different corporate structures?
It is important to select the right corporate structure for you and your business. This article outlines the main types…
Bank of Mum & Dad – Helping children onto the property ladder
It can be quite common for people to provide financial assistance to their adult children (or grandchildren); particularly when they…
Changes to the National Minimum Wage exemption for live-in domestic workers
Currently the law states that there is no entitlement to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in respect of work done…
Post termination restrictions in employment contracts
It is an inevitable part of the working world that employees will leave. This can be for any number of…
Workers have new rights for predictable terms and conditions
A Bill giving workers the right to request more predictable terms and conditions in their working pattern has received royal…
A landlord’s guide to the Building Safety Act 2022
Landlords have a significant responsibility to ensure the safety of their tenants, and the Building Safety Act 2022 introduces important…
Buying a property which has planning permission – everything you need to know
Recently we have seen a rise in enquiries from individuals looking to purchase land or property with the benefit of…
Master the festive season with mindset and work-life balance strategies for success
Sarah Kerr is a Transformational Life and Wellbeing Coach, and Relaxation, Meditation and Mindfulness Instructor. She’s enthusiastic about sharing the…
How do leavers impact earn-out provisions?
Whilst it might not jump out at you as being the trendiest of topics, leavers and earn-out provisions can be…
Investment forecast for 2024 – How will your portfolio grow?
2024 promises to be dynamic for investments, with huge opportunities for growth marked by significant shifts in various industries and…
What would invalidate a Section 21 notice for possession?
If you are a landlord seeking to regain possession of your residential property, you may be familiar with the Section…
Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney – the benefits of using a professional
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) are legal documents that allow you to appoint…
Celebrating Black History Month & “Supporting our Sisters”
To coincide with this year’s Black History Month, I reflect on my journey to mother’s childhood home, and how she…
Menopause in the workplace – hot flush about nothing?
You would think that it didn’t need to be spelt out that more than half of the population are going…
Sight loss claims – How has Moore Barlow improved patient safety nationwide?
For World Sight Day, the medical negligence team reflects on the devastating consequences of avoidable sight loss, and how legal…
The challenges of owning a thatched property
When considering buying a new property prospective owners dream of a simple transaction. Thatched properties can now seem to be…
Commercial rent arrears recovery
How might a landlord preserve their right to forfeit a lease when taking commercial rent arrears recovery action? It is…
Buying a property with an electric car charging point – everything you need to know
Some properties benefit from an electric car charging point which reflects the increased use of electric vehicles as modes of…
Can you bury a body on private land? Your key questions answered
We recently had a very interesting case land on our desks! Without going into too much detail (and we assure…
Buying, owning and refinancing land adjoining an unadopted road – everything you need to know
Landowners will be familiar with using existing unadopted roads as they invariably form part of, adjoin or provide a means…
The Crooked House pub: planning laws and consequences of breach for Britain’s wonkiest pub
You may have seen recently seen that The Crooked House, located near Dudley burnt down on 5 August 2023. It…
Wills – Fact or Fiction?
Several surveys carried out in 2023 have shown that at least half of the UK adult population do not have…
Can carbon farming provide a stable source of income?
Increasing understanding of carbon credits and their role is vital to the importance of addressing the global climate crisis. This…
Advising rural family businesses – the importance of empathetic legal advice
Moore Barlow invite our rural family business clients to think about the story of their family business. How it started,…
Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas – Where will the children live?
The current media reporting on the ongoing dispute between Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas is attracting the attention of many.…
Disclosure letters and why they are important
Disclosure letters are an important document in mergers and acquisitions. It is produced by the seller and enables them to…
Company House identity verification
After some delays, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (ECCT Bill) is currently expected to receive Royal Assent this…
Martha’s rule – how will this work in practice?
What is Martha’s rule?
Martha’s rule would give patients the right to a second medical opinion or assessment where they…
Statutory advertisements in probate
Executors have many responsibilities – one being to notify potential creditors and beneficiaries of the death. This can be done…
Claiming for care and assistance following an injury
When a person has been involved in an accident which has resulted in personal injury, more likely than not that…
What is an intra-group reorganisation?
An intra-group reorganisation is the transfer of shares in a target company from one member of a group to another,…
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,…
Trust documents – Rights of beneficiaries and obligations of trustees
When advising beneficiaries or trustees about their respective positions, the question of who may be entitled to trust documents pertaining…
Fixed recoverable costs regime extended
On 21 July 2023, a new consultation was published by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), closing on 08 September 2023. …
A shareholders’ agreement is like a company prenup
What is a shareholders’ agreement?
A shareholders’ agreement (“SHA” for short) is like a prenuptial agreement for your company; a…
Let’s talk about sex and the complexities that may arise following a traumatic brain injury
When an individual sustains a traumatic brain injury it can cause a range of cognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioural issues.…
Can I deal with my foreign holiday home in an English Will?
The quick answer, it depends. Unfortunately, leaving foreign property under your English Will is not as straightforward as it seems.…
How do I claim against an uninsured or untraceable driver?
Where a person is involved in a road traffic accident and there is a clear offending party along with associated…
Delay may invalidate a landlord’s Section 20 consultation
An unreasonable delay may amount to a breach in the consultation requirements; resulting in the landlord being limited under the Regulations…
Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2023
South Asian Heritage Month 2023 is all about celebrating the stories that make up our diverse and vibrant community and…
How should schools handle transgender issues in the absence of long-awaited government guidance?
Long-awaited government guidance for single sex schools on transgender issues has been trailed over recent months. This guidance was expected…
The most common consequences of sustaining a brain injury
Sustaining a brain injury or head injury as a result of an accident can have life-changing consequences. The brain is…
The complexities of dealing with a brain injury claim
Dealing with a brain injury compensation claim can be much more complex than a normal personal injury claim. Brain injuries…
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…
How to make a personal injury claim in England and Wales
If you have been involved in an accident that has resulted in personal injury in England, you may be entitled…
How damages are calculated in personal injury claims
If you have been involved in an accident that has resulted in personal injury in England, you may be entitled…
Healing from birth trauma – what support is available?
Welcoming a child into the world is always a time for celebration, but for many mothers it can also, sadly,…
Employer’s guide to right to work checks
All UK employers have a duty to prevent illegal working and therefore the law prescribes that right to work checks…
The increasing cost of dying
As everyone is aware, interest rates are on the way up. However, not everyone realises that rising interest rates are…
What is sexual harassment in the workplace?
Legislation relating to sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace has been a part of UK equality law for…
Exploring the Cauda Equina Syndrome pathway
Get It Right First Time (GIRFT) is a national programme designed to improve patient care in the NHS by reducing…
Settlement agreement guide
It is common to hear about large scale redundancies, or dismissals, in the news. Indeed, it is often the case…
Employment (allocation of tips) Act 2023
What you need to know about the allocation of tips bill
On 2nd May 2023, the Employment (allocation of tips) Act…
What is probate and when is it needed?
When a loved one dies there is a lot to think about and so it can be difficult to know…
Automatism defence in RTA claims
The automatism defence has been a contested issue in personal injury claims for some time and has become a commonly…
Government announced measures to combat the increase in children vaping
Schools have noticed a significant increase in children vaping on school premises.
This has been concern among schools and parents…
Capital Gains Tax UK Property Disposal Returns
It was recently the third anniversary of the Government introducing a new type of tax return: the Capital Gains Tax…
DfE publishes updated guidance on action plans for independent schools
We are aware of a recent increase in the number of independent schools failing ISI inspections, with a growing trend…
DfE publishes updated version of Keeping Children Safe in Education
Earlier this month, the DfE published an updated version of Keeping Children Safe In Education (KCSIE) and this will come…
Charity Commission updates its guidance on internal financial controls
The Charity Commission’s guidance note on Internal Financial Controls (CC8) is relevant for all schools that are registered charities. The…
New guidance from ACAS on reasonable adjustments for mental health
ACAS has recently published new guidance on making reasonable adjustments for mental health. The link to the ACAS guidance is here.…
School chaplain’s claim for religious discrimination is rejected
In the recent case of Randall v Trent College Ltd and others ET/2600288/2020, an employment tribunal rejected a school chaplain’s claim for belief or religion…
VAT and fees in advance schemes
A look at Labour’s proposals for VAT and fees in advance schemes, on school fees and what schools can do…
Teacher banned from profession after misgendering pupil
A professional misconduct panel of The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) has prohibited a maths teacher, Mr Joshua Sutcliffe, from teaching…
Charities Act 2022 – everything you need to know about the changes to charity land disposals
As charity trustees will be aware, charities must comply with certain legal requirements before they sell, lease or mortgage land.…
Personal injury liability waiver
Liability waivers – Are they worth the paper they are printed on? If you have ever joined a gym, taken part…
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…
Managing legal affairs for someone with dementia
Dementia UK advises that there are currently 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, with the numbers set to…
Striking Accord? Divorce using the same lawyer
Family law practitioners continue to make strides to find alternative methods of resolving family law issues and Moore Barlow remain…
Don’t just aspire to climb the ladder – Aspire to be the ladder
At the age of 17, I started work for a law firm as an Outdoor clerk. By the age of…
How does creating a Will relate to a Disney movie?
In the magical world of Disney, tales of adventure, romance, and self-discovery often captivate audiences of all ages. Amidst the…
Senior appointment and office opening set to bolster Moore Barlow Surrey footprint
Southeast-based law firm Moore Barlow has made a key hire for its Surrey commercial property team and and also announced…
The capacity and mental health of farmers
Terry Pratchett, the well known author of fantasy novels once wrote that “those of us with dementia need a little…
Listed Buildings are not always exempt from EPC requirements or MEES
We have seen an increase in enquiries lately from our landowning client base with residential letting property portfolios questioning whether…
Lisa Marie Presley’s Will challenged by her mother
Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’ only child, died unexpectedly at aged 54 after suffering cardiac arrest at her home in Southern…
Restrictive covenants and employee competition
In the recent case of Boydell v NZP Ltd and others, the Court of Appeal considered the severability (or “blue pencil”)…
Are employees entitled to flexible working?
One of the significant changes that we have seen in recent years is the broad acceptance that office working Monday-to-Friday…
Enhanced protection and benefits for employees on maternity leave
There are various provisions from which employees on maternity leave currently benefit and these protections are set to be increased…
2023/2024 Annual rate increases
The 2023/2024 annual rate increases came into effect on 6 April 2023.
The annual increases to the minimum wage and…
What is an unless order?
In the recent case of Minnoch and Others v Interserve FM Ltd, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) overturned the tribunal’s earlier…
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 Coronation Emblem: ‘royalty free’ usage and restrictions
How are you planning on celebrating the King’s coronation on 6th May 2023? Whether you are attending a street party or…
Tech companies preparing for growth
Insight bite: Tech companies preparing for growth
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, tech firms remain focused on growth, with a large…
Rules of Intestacy: The lion’s share of the estate
We all know and love Walt Disney’s The Lion King, but for those that have been living under (pride) rock,…
Pathological fatigue brought on by traumatic brain injury
This blog is part of a brain injury series and looks at pathological fatigue brought on by traumatic brain injury.…
Post traumatic epilepsy caused by brain injury
This blog is part of a brain injury series and discusses epilepsy caused by brain injury. This is often known…
Protect your property against fraud with Land Registry property alerts
All property owners in England and Wales can set up property alerts with the Land Registry to notify them of…
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…
Mortgages over farm assets – 10 years on
On 20 March 2013, the then Chancellor, George Osborne, announced a significant change on how debts are allowed or relieved…
Mixed-use relief for SDLT: HMRC loses – for once
Charlotte Brackley considers two recent Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) cases brought against HMRC and the potential implications for buyers…
Go your own way: Farmland rights of way
Prepared for South East Farmer and published in their March edition, Sarah Jordan, partner and head of the rural estate…
State of play for businesses
Insight bite: State of play for businesses
Business leaders have weathered storm after storm over the past year. Despite recent…
Is there a link between traumatic brain injury and dementia
This blog is part of a brain injury series and focusses on the question of whether there might be a…
The Charity Commission puts its regulatory powers into practice – a cautionary tale
Inquiry into Rhema Church London
Charity trustees are often worried about what the Charity Commission might do if they get…
Proposed changes to security of tenure for commercial landlords and tenants
The current law
Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (the Act) provides tenants of commercial properties in England…
A welcome change in Capital Gains Tax for divorcing couples
For many couples, the thought of having to pay large tax bills when transferring assets as part of a divorce…
Changes to EPC and MEES regulations
Attention Commercial Landlords – EPC and MEES regulations are tightening from 1 April 2023 – are you prepared?
The Government…
Cognitive effects after a brain injury
This article and podcast looks at the cognitive effects after a brain injury and is part of a brain injury series.…
Wealth planning in an uncertain world
Insight bites: Wealth planning in an uncertain world
Seismic economic shifts in the UK and globally are driving a renewed…
Building back hospitality
Insight bites: Building back hospitality
The pandemic, Brexit and rampant inflation have hit hospitality hard. Staff are harder to come…
How to increase rent for a UK rental property
As a landlord in the UK, increasing the rent of your rental property is a common way to keep up…
Patient backlogs in ophthalmology care – a healthcare emergency?
Given the busy news agenda over the last few days, a significant piece of news about patient backlogs in ophthalmology…
HNW families feeling the pinch
Insight bites: Family matters
A new survey revealed that HNW families are far from immune from the impacts of the…
Bereavement in schools
There is a new petition to add content on death, dying and bereavement to the national curriculum which has now…
Safeguarding and social media in schools
Many parents looked to schools for help when Andrew Tate’s profile blew up on social media which spread dangerous and…
Upcoming changes to the flexible working rules
The Government recently published its response to its “Making flexible working the default” consultation. The Government launched the consultation in…
Employment rates and limits
Stay updated with the rising employment rates and limits.
As April 2023 approaches, schools should ensure they are ready for…
Update on the Charities Act 2022
The majority of independent schools in England are registered charities, which means that they need to comply with charity law…
Japanese knotweed – a cautionary tale from a recent case
If you have ever been involved in a property transaction whether buying, selling or even acting for clients, you would…
Community Infrastructure Levy and the self-build exemption – everything you need to know
To self-build or not to self-build, that is the question! For many landowners, obtaining planning consent for development on their…
What are the legal considerations when buying or selling a house with a wood burner?
Given the rise in electricity and gas prices, there has been a recent drive in the installation of wood burners…
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…
The due diligence process in mergers and acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions will almost always involve significant amounts of due diligence. This is because the buyer will want to…
Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency
Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency. It happens when the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicle, rotates and…
Moore Barlow’s Private wealth team celebrates IWD23
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2023 some of the women in the Private Wealth team have shared their experiences…
Three voices embrace equity on International Women’s Day 2023
International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate achievements but also to recognise that inequity continues to exist when it…
An evening with the younger generation
I was invited by the Lady Nafisa Secondary School to speak about my career path since leaving school. The event…
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…
Year end tax planning
With the final day of the tax year (5 April 2023) just a few weeks away, it is that time…
The UK demands more information from its corporates
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill 2022 should receive Royal Assent (that is, become law in the UK) this spring.
The UK was one of…
Licensee successfully argues for an implied term in a Formula One case
In a recent decision, the English High Court has, unusually, agreed with a licensee that it was entitled to an…
Common misconceptions about Wills and Probate
The legalities surrounding inheritance are often complex and naturally there are various misconceptions that people have around wills and probate…
How to train your AI Dragon
The rapid increase in AI tools can create works of art, prose, music and film has raised concern in the…
Help from the courts with ransomware
The valuable intellectual property of businesses in the tech sector, alongside their potential service roles and access to sensitive customer…
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…
Common mistake and the allocation of risk
One key purpose of a contract is to allow enforcement and performance of what has been agreed between the two…
Seatbelt law and the consequence of not wearing one
It is well established that where seatbelts are fitted in a car they should be worn so it is a…
Guardianship clauses in wills
Update Your Will week 2023 is from 23 to 29 January, and is hosted by Solicitors For the Elderly. If you don’t…
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.…
What is co-mediation and how can it help resolve family disputes?
The co-mediation model is where a lawyer mediator works alongside a mediator from a therapeutic background such as therapist, counsellor…
Do I need a solicitor to apply for a Grant of Probate?
You have discovered you are an Executor but you are not sure what this will involve and whether you will…
Government consultation launched on holiday entitlement for part-year workers
In July 2022, the Supreme Court issued its long-awaited judgment in the case of Harpur Trust v Brazel. Mrs Brazel…
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…
The rules for private e-scooters
The rules for private e-scooters have not changed. It is against the law to use a privately owned e-scooter on…
Will the UK introduce a four-day working week?
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased support among workers for a four-day working week with no loss of pay.…
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…
Upcoming 2023 employment legislation
Following on our recent Looking Back, Going Forward seminar in our Woking office, this article looks at some of the…
Blame over. The future of divorce law
Jo Farrands, partner and head of the family team, reflects on the changing face of divorce law and looks at what’s…
Lifetime residential tenancies
How to make lifetime residential tenancies work for both landlords and tenants.
We are well versed in the Moore Barlow…
Farming and land transactions during a recession
With the phasing out of BPS subsidies and the added pressure of a dip in the economy in 2023, we…
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…
From childhood to lawyer to partner and mother
I was born in a town in the North East of England called Middlesbrough which is famous for its industry…
What Is ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance – and where did it come from?
The recent COP27 conference has been another reminder of the importance to us all of sustainability and the drive to…
Redundancy pools of one – proceed with caution
What significance do the very recent cases of Mogane v Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (EAT) and, as we…
Succession planning – why I do what I do
The author PG Wodehouse once wrote “it was a confusion of ideas between him and one of the lions he…
Harpur Trust and holiday pay for part-year workers – what have we learned so far?
Since the issuing of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Harpur Trust v Brazel case on holiday entitlement and pay…
New guidance on preventing hair discrimination in schools
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published guidance in October stating that preventing school pupils from wearing their hair…
Behaviour in schools guidance – what should schools be doing now?
The Department for Education has recently issued updated “Behaviour in schools” guidance. Importantly, this updated guidance now explicitly states that…
What does the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse report mean for independent schools?
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) released its long-awaited final report on 20 October 2022. It sets out…
Risks to tax reliefs for independent schools: could charitable foundations be the answer?
At the 2022 Labour Party Conference, Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson repeated Labour’s plans to “end the tax breaks private…
Autumn Statement – Are there any personal tax planning opportunities?
There were concerns regarding drastic and immediate tax changes in the Autumn Statement, but this did not occur. For example,…
Autumn statement 2022
The Chancellor has given his Autumn Statement. Given the current economic challenges – regarding the pandemic, and the war in Ukraine,…
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…
Benefit of representation at an inquest
The Coronial process is an important one to those families bereaved following an unexpected death such as arising from a…
Inheritance tax update – when to report to HMRC
The Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Excepted Estates) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 came into force in 1 January 2022 and they…
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,…
What are estate accounts and why are they important?
When someone dies, one of the first steps for the personal representatives is to establish what assets and liabilities are…
Statement from the Chancellor
July: Mr Sunak
August: Mr Zahawi
September: Mr Kwarteng
October: Mr Hunt
Whilst this might look more like some sort…
How do employers protect their trans and gender-fluid employees?
When Liz Truss was Minister for Women and Equalities, a year before she campaigned to become Prime Minister, one of…
Can my partner and I use the same lawyer to get divorced?
A limited number of family lawyers are now providing a service whereby a couple can use one lawyer to advise…
Moore Barlow Black history month
The Diversity and Inclusion (“D&I”) committee at Moore Barlow LLP, supported by our wonderful marketing, IT and admin teams, wanted…
Lawyer and working mum – Is it possible?
Right from the start, I have always loved being a lawyer. I have always been organised, driven and hard-working, and,…
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…
Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 – Property and HM land registry
The new Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 came into force on 1 August 2022.
The new Register of…
Inherited properties and stamp duty land tax
Inherited properties and the extra 3% stamp duty land tax (SDLT) charge: When could you be caught by the uplift?…
Rural property notary public services
Our Rural Services team is very pleased to announce that we will soon be offering notarial services. Louise Williams, who…
ID and source of funds checks
As solicitors, we are duty bound to protect your interests as clients and to protect any money that we hold…
Changes in red diesel legislation: how does it affect your farm business and home?
HMRC and the Government have made changes to the rules surrounding usage of rebated fuels, the most common in the…
When is a Budget not a Budget?
The Government called it a “fiscal event” and then a “Growth Plan”. The media called it a “mini-Budget”. It was…
What is an MBI and an MBO?
Change is a common characteristic within business and it is not uncommon for a company’s management and ownership to change…
Is it time to check your articles of association?
The recent High Court case of Hashmi v Lorimer-Wing (also known as Re Fore Fitness Investments Holdings Ltd) 2022 EWHC…
Long COVID and its impact on mental health
Despite the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s opinion in June 2022, a recent employment case has established that ‘long Covid’ can constitute…
Menopause in the workplace
As we approach World Menopause Day on 18th October we reflect on the state of play in relation to employment law…
Negative Glassdoor reviews
Negative Glassdoor reviews can have a serious impact on employers. Such reviews might make it harder for employers to recruit…
How might the cost of living crisis impact homeworking practices?
Until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Kingdom’s homeworkers were a relatively low proportion of the workforce. However,…
World Alzheimer’s month and estate planning
Did you know that globally nearly 50 million people are living with dementia? (alzheimers.org.uk)
We believe it is important to…
Employee’s right to take time off for the queen’s funeral
Many employees are asking whether they can take time off on the additional bank holiday that has been announced on…
What is the Renters Reform Bill?
Earlier this year, the Government published the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper, which sets out a plan of action…
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…
What are contribution agreements?
Definition of a Contribution Agreement?
A contribution agreement is a legally binding document that allows individuals or firms to share…
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…
Force majeure and reasonable or best endeavours
A case in the High Court on the effect of a force majeure clause sheds light on what it means…
Lifetime gifting – the allowances and exemptions available to you
Many people will make gifts to loved ones out of their natural love and affection, but also in an attempt…
The Moore Barlow Silicon Cup Regatta continues to raise funds for charity
The IT industry’s biggest sailing event is again creating a fantastic opportunity for networking and team building while fundraising for…
Cost of living crisis causing surge in divorce rates
As many households have experienced across the UK, we are currently going through a significant cost of living crisis. This…
Sharing school fees with your ex-partner
Is it possible to make your ex-partner contribute to paying school fees?
With the start of the school year upcoming,…
English court rejects a claim that rowing machine was not a work of “artistic craftsmanship”
Background to copyright protection
Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, copyright protection is granted to works of “artistic…
Capital gains tax following a separation
Last month the Government released draft legislation in relation to changing how capital gains tax (CGT) will apply after a…
Should my family or friend help fund my divorce?
Getting divorced and dividing your finances can be very expensive, particularly if you go through the court process, and you…
Virtual reality check –The use of VR in the medical sector
The global augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality VR (collectively referred to here as “VR”) market reached 28 billion…
Unmasking anonymous reviewers
Zuru -v- Glassdoor
Glassdoor is a US-based website operating in 20 countries across the US, Europe, Asia and Oceania where…
Tailoring your approach to disputes
Disputes over sums of money can be expensive to resolve, so selecting the right approach is really important to achieving…
Man v Machine: Protecting your business in an AI world
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications is seeing exciting new technologies being introduced to improve…
Changes to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in private residential lettings
On 1 October 2022, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 will come into force. From this date, all private rented…
Understanding Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 and Occupier Liability Act: A comprehensive review of key cases
In this article, I will be discussing what are, in my opinion, some of the most useful and interesting occupiers…
The rules on defendant admissions
The is article first appeared in PI Focus Magazine – May 2021
The issue of ‘admissions’ has given rise to…
Useful tips on witness statements
The is article first appeared in PI Focus Magazine – November 2020
Matthew Tuff offers some tips on witness statements.
In any personal injury claim,…
Is a change in the law for cohabiting couples on the horizon?
Can the ‘common law marriage’ myth finally be bust?
Cohabiting couples represent the fastest growing family type in England and…
Failure to serve a gas safety certificate at the commencement of a tenancy could now prevent the use of the s21 notice
This case law update comes off the back of Byrne v Harwood-Delgado [2022]
Facts of the case
The tenant moved…
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…
Without prejudice protection upheld after employer sails close to the wind
In April 2022, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) overturned the original decision in the case of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Limited…
Can I take my child on holiday without my ex’s consent?
“We’re all going on a summer holiday, but only if my ex gives consent too”
It’s the time of year…
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…
Inheritance tax taper relief
Taper Relief is an often misunderstood and misquoted inheritance tax relief. But it is a very useful and beneficial relief.…
SDLT consultation on mixed use and multiple dwellings relief
Anyone who has bought a farm or a country house with land in recent years will be familiar with the…
Changes to holiday pay for term time only staff following the Supreme Court’s decision in Harpur Trust v Brazel
Almost three years after the Court of Appeal found in favour of Mrs Brazel in her claim against her employer,…
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…
Cost of living crisis – Don’t forget about Inheritance Tax planning
With all the doom and gloom about the economy, the cost of living rising fast and set to rise even…
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…
Consequence of not wearing a seatbelt
In cases involving road traffic collisions, an opposing insurance company will always consider whether those bringing the claim against them…
Are you a Trustee of a Trust that owns a part share of a property
As you may already be aware, HMRC introduced new criteria for when a Trust needs to be registered on the…
Proposed law changes for e-scooters
E-scooters have become increasingly popular as a method of transport in the UK, and with the cost of fuel prices…
Will new sentencing powers reduce road crashes?
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 have introduced a number of changes to road traffic laws that take…
Pressures in the adult social care sector
Pressures continue to grow for the adult social care sector after the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS)…
Resolution solutions away from the family court
Karen Barham is a consultant at Moore Barlow, a mediator, solicitor and a parenting coordinator.
She received the Surrey Law…
Risk-averse high-earning Brits aren’t buying into NFT hype
Recently Moore Barlow commission a survey on 250 high-net worth individuals and discovered that personal wealth among UK adults that…
The benefits of yoga for brain injury survivors
Rehabilitation following a brain injury is crucial. Yoga can be used as an integral part of this rehabilitation and the benefits…
Domicile status for individuals
In recent months it is likely that you will have heard about Akshata Murty (the wife of Chancellor Rishi Sunak)…
Are your school’s employment contracts up to date?
When something goes wrong in a school’s relationship with one of its employees, there’s often a need to check that…
The Whyte Review – a catalyst for change?
The publication of the much-anticipated Whyte Review is undoubtedly a seminal moment. The potential is clear for it to be…
New research shows ethnic minorities under-represented in school leadership
New research conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and education charities Ambition Institute and Teach First has…
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…
Could long COVID be classed as a disability?
The Office of National Statistics has recently reported that there are an estimated 1.8 million people in the UK experiencing…
Teacher forced to express breastmilk in toilets wins harassment case against school
Ms Mellor was a citizenship teacher at Mirfield Grammar School in West Yorkshire. After her return from maternity leave following…
New guidance on political impartiality in schools – what you need to know
In February 2022, the Department for Education published new guidance on political impartiality in schools which explains the existing legal…
Employee refuses to attend work during lockdown – the tribunal decision
It has been determined that an employee who refused to attend work during the pandemic did not have a reasonable…
EHRC guidance on gender reassignment and single sex spaces – what does this mean for schools?
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has recently published guidance for separate and single-sex service providers, which contains helpful advice…
Keeping Children Safe In Education 2022 – what you need to know
The Department for Education has now published the updated version of Keeping Children Safe In Education, which will come into…
Witnessing a traumatic event – When can a personal injury claim be made?
Many people have been unfortunate enough to witness a disturbing and traumatic event, like a road traffic accident. However, the…
The law on fatal accident claims
The is article first appeared in PI Focus Magazine – July 2020
Following the Damages for Bereavement (Variation of Sum)…
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…
Moore Barlow supporting new prosthetic technology
Major trauma Lawyer, Daryl Robinson does not shy away from seeking the best for his clients when it comes to…
5 reasons why you should make a Lasting Power of Attorney
With the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Action Week now having drawn to a close, more people are conscious of the importance…
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…
Non-compete restrictive covenants clause
Law By Design Ltd (“LBD”), a Manchester based employment law firm which largely works for NHS clients, recently won a…
Employment Law in 2022: What have we seen so far?
The years 2020 and 2021 were unprecedented in many ways; including in employment law terms, with many sectors barely functioning…
Are your employees entitled to take time off for the queen’s platinum jubilee bank holiday
Many employers are asking whether their employees are entitled to take time off for the additional bank holiday in June…
Advance Decisions – what you need to know
Any fans of BBC’s The Split will have seen the appearance of a Private Client lawyer in the last episode of the…
The Good Split – Family and divorce drama
Many of us will have watched the third and final series of BBC drama “The Split”. Spoiler alert! If you…
Where is your data? – new requirements for international data transfers
New UK approved standard contractual clauses for transfers of personal data outside the UK [have been issued] [are in force]. …
Infringing intellectual property rights
The corporate veil will not always protect a director from liability
The recent decision in Lifestyle Equities v Ahmed is a useful…
Avoiding the fruition of risk
Businesses in the technology sector will frequently engage with other professional businesses, for the provision of services, such as consultancy,…
What do private wealth lawyers do?
Private wealth lawyers advise individuals on a wide variety of personal matters providing general or specific tax advice in the…
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…
Appointing guardians – a common dilemma
A key decision that parents often have to make when drawing up new Wills is the question of who should…
Making the most of a ‘Seller’s Market’
In the aftermath of the stamp duty frenzy last summer, the number of properties coming onto the market remains low,…
Child maintenance service – Hope for the future
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) was established in 2012 to increase levels of cooperation between separated parents and to encourage…
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…
Liabilities of an executor of a will
An executor, also known as a personal representative, is appointed by someone, often a relative, in their will to deal…
Estate planning for vulnerable beneficiaries
As a Private Client lawyer, I have seen an increase in clients having to readdress their wills due to a…
Charities, stay compliant with safeguarding responsibilities
At our recent charities seminar we looked at the latest legal issues facing charities. One of the topics that we examined…
Into the woods: Inheritance tax relief on woodlands
It is estimated that 72% of land in the UK is farmed but, in 2017, the AGFORWARD project estimated that…
The dawn of another tax year
Wednesday 6 April 2022 marks the start of a new tax year. For once, this doesn’t mean any changes to…
No fault divorce – your questions answered
On 6 April 2022 the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill was implemented after years of campaigning to create a no…
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…
Boundary agreement vs determined boundary – what’s the difference?
Clients often ask why an on the ground boundary differs to the red line on their land registry filed plan.…
The Ockenden report – is the NHS listening?
The final report conducted by senior midwife Donna Ockenden was published this week, with findings from her independent review of maternity services at Shrewsbury…
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…
Thoughts on the 2022 spring statement
On Wednesday 23 March 2022, the Chancellor announced his Spring Statement. Unlike most newspapers, I won’t quite go as far…
Should you replace your Enduring Power of Attorney with a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) were replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in October 2007. Both an EPA and a…
No fault divorce – what are the key changes?
Following years of campaigning from various groups to create a no-fault divorce system, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill is…
A new era in divorce law
A welcome change in divorce law is on the horizon; there remain what can be difficult decisions to make regarding…
Arbitration in the UK
England and Wales is unquestionably one of the most popular selected destinations in terms of seats for arbitration. This article examines the domestic foundations which have…
When and how to declare an inheritance to HMRC
Updates to the Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Excepted Estates) (Amendment) Regulations 2020
The Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Excepted…
What is the difference between executors, trustee’s and administrators
Following a death, the world of the administration of an estate can be a confusing time for loved ones. There…
International Women’s Day – A time to recognise how far equality has come
Senior Associate, Amandeep Khasriya, celebrates the strides that women have achieved in the workplace and considers what challenges remain.
The…
Stay updated with the rising employment rates and limits
As April approaches, businesses should ensure they are ready for the annual increases to the employment rates and limits which…
The Charities Act 2022 – what does it mean for schools?
The Charities Bill has now worked its way through parliament and, having been given Royal Assent on 24 February 2022,…
Exploring the proposed changes to Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE)
In January, the Department for Education put forward its proposed amendments for this September’s update to Keeping children safe in…
Teacher loses claim for assault by pupil
The Court of Appeal has recently made its decision in the case of Cunningham v Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council.
The…
Teacher’s dismissal for “overly affectionate” emails was justified
The events brought to light in a recent claim for unfair dismissal and sex discrimination from the former Assistant Director…
How should schools approach Covid self-isolation rules?
On the 24th of February 2022 and as part of the Government’s living with Covid plan, those who test positive…
Teachers’ Pension Scheme – the latest developments
The Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) continues to stay in the headlines with an ever-increasing number of independent schools exiting and…
How should independent schools respond to the invasion of Ukraine?
Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen the shocking events unfold in Ukraine. The UK has imposed sanctions…
Estate planning and inheritance tax implications when selling business assets
When selling your business or business assets, it is vital to consider what you want at the end of the…
Smaller firms facing a ‘low workforce morale epidemic’
Recent research reveals what the impact of Covid-19 has been on mental health issues in some of the UK’s small…
Can I remove personal information from Companies House?
Due to the nature of Companies House being a free public domain it poses a risk of personal information being…
What are pre-emption rights and what do I need to be aware of?
What are pre-emption rights?
Pre-emption rights, also known as “first refusal rights” or “right of first refusal,” are contractual provisions…
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…
Change is the ‘new normal’. Now, the legal profession must not look back.
Ed Whittington, managing partner at Moore Barlow argues that company culture must become central to life in the legal profession, if firms…
Reforming the leasehold and commonhold systems in England and Wales
The UK government has long recognised that the leasehold and commonhold systems in England and Wales are far from fit…
The right to set-off unpaid debts against Inheritance Act 1975 awards
In Johnston v Wackett [2022] EWHC 129 (Ch), the High Court considered the rule in Cherry v Boultbee [1893] 4…
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. …
Variation on vaccination – Approaches to sick pay post-pandemic
Joanna Lada-Walicki, an independent schools lawyer, sets out the potential pitfalls facing schools when offering reduced sick pay to unvaccinated employees. …
Changes to HMRC’s Trust Registration Services
HMRC first introduced the TRS in 2017 when it was necessary for Trusts with a tax liability to be registered.…
Do I have to give my engagement ring back after separation?
Are diamonds forever? What happens to the engagement ring if you split up before marriage?
“What happens if it all…
Understanding early termination fees in B2B telecoms: Is an early termination fee enforceable?
The pandemic and its impact on B2B telecom contracts
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rumble on and whilst the Government…
Tech businesses should always agree clear terms for delivery and performance
Suppliers in the tech sector (and their customers) need to agree delivery and payment dates and clearly understand the risks…
Can an AI system be named the inventor?
The growing developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) are having fundamental effects on the worlds of business, technology…
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…
Cryptoasset advertising rules to be tightened
In January the Government announced its plans to strengthen the rules on cryptoasset advertising and protect consumers from misleading claims. The…
Deputies, Attorneys, and Next of Kin – What is the Difference?
Most people have heard of a Power of Attorney and a ‘Next of Kin’, but perhaps not a Deputyship. The…
Should I be paid to care for a family member?
More and more people are giving up work completely or taking extended time-off to care for an elderly relative, something…
Changes to the highway code and the possible consequences to personal injury claims
Is the Highway Code law?
The Highway Code was first published in 1931 and has been updated regularly to reflect…
Family mediation week – Q&A
This year’s Family Mediation Week is from 17 – 21 January 2022. It is organised by the Family Mediation Council,…
A forged will – can you prove it?
Wills are often challenged on the grounds of lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence or lack of knowledge and approval.…
Oxford Farming Conference 2022
On the 5th till the 7th of January, a number of the Moore Barlow Rural team attended the Oxford Farming Conference 2022…
What is the Enterprise Investment Scheme?
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is a Government scheme designed to encourage individuals to invest into certain companies, thereby allowing…
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…
5 reasons why you should have a trust
Trusts and their administration are a diverse and often misunderstood area of law, which when used correctly, can provide real…
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…
The end of Britney’s conservatorship: How it works in the UK
Britney Spears’s recent case, quite rightly, has had a lot of media coverage here in the UK and has raised…
Thinking twice: mandating Covid vaccines for school staff
Following the news that double Covid-19 vaccinations are to become mandatory for care home workers in England from the 11…
Safeguarding for faith-based organisations
Safeguarding has never been more high profile and a wave of recent reports and inquiries have led to an intense…
Can a will be changed after death?
A Deed of Variation, which must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, is often used by a beneficiary…
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…
Flexible working and your rights as an employer
The working landscape has changed dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic. More employees are working from home than ever…
Gig economy and the importance of defining an employment status
The gig economy has been a hot topic over the past few months, with large companies such as Uber and…
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,…
Can you 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…
Is it a reasonable adjustment to protect pay indefinitely when disability means a teacher can no longer teach?
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has held that, where a teacher had disability which meant she could no longer teach,…
Autumn Budget: timeframe for paying capital gains tax extended
The lead up to every Budget will often involve discussion about possible changes to the tax system. This was particularly…
Are you ready for your ISI inspection?
Following on from the shocking revelations brought to light by Everyone’s Invited, it came as no surprise that the Independent…
Are you complying with the latest allergies legislation?
1 October 2021 saw “Natasha’s Law” come into effect. “Natasha’s Law” was passed in 2019 following the tragic death of…
Covid-19 vaccination rollout causes disruption at schools
At the start of this term schools were presented with a fresh challenge arising from the Covid 19 pandemic –…
Dismissal of teacher suspected of viewing child images was fair
The Scottish Court of Session has held that it was fair to dismiss a teacher suspected of viewing child images…
The power of diversity: Firms that don’t address the divide will get left behind
Reflecting on his experience of developing a career in law, Trevor Sterling, the first black senior partner at a UK…
NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding – am I eligible?
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is a funding stream whereby, if eligible, an individual will have all costs associated with their…
Estate administration: what happens to our digital footprint after we die?
We are living in an increasingly digital world. Whether it is online banking, social media accounts or photographs stored in…
Chambers and Partners 2022 – top rankings for Moore Barlow
Moore Barlow have been widely recognised in the UK’s leading guide to law firms, Chambers and Partners, achieving recognition for…
Landmark Court of Appeal ruling allows claimant to recover a ‘success fee’ as part of an award from father’s estate
This landmark ruling provides long awaited guidance for private client practitioners on recoverability of success fees and helps to ensure…
When is capital gains tax required during an estate administration?
There are various issues that need to be considered when administering an estate. Whilst many people will be aware that…
For sale: what to consider when selling your farmland
The pandemic restrictions and ongoing Brexit-related issues have had a significant impact on the UK’s farming and agricultural sector. In…
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…
Labour’s plan to abolish charitable status: can or should it be done?
We take a closer look at Labour’s pledge to remove charitable status from independent schools to raise money for state…
Is a prenup legally binding?
Like many brides-to-be, Britney Spears announced her engagement with a post on Instagram – a short video clip of Britney…
Succession planning: a matter of trust?
Trusts have been a part of the UK’s legal system for centuries and often take the form of private legal…
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…
How new agri-environment schemes will be applied in the New Forest
Following a consultation, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has changed the way New Forest Commoners are allocated subsidies for forest…
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…
Employees have the pick of the crop
The number of people in paid employment is up. In August 2021, the number of payroll employees in the UK…
Five key considerations to make when buying a farm
The pandemic has seen a shift in people’s habits, from spending more time in the countryside enjoying the outdoors to…
When should I make a Will?
My colleague Michelle Ranasinghe-Carter recently shared with us Five reasons to make a Will in your 20s. As the title…
Moore Barlow advises Online Payrolls on its sale to The Payroll Software and Services Group
Moore Barlow has advised Online Payrolls, a specialist provider of outsourced payroll services to customers in the UK, on its…
Residential tenancy notice periods are changing
The UK Government has confirmed that residential tenancy notice periods will return to pre-pandemic timescales from 1 October 2021. The…
Unlawful direct marketing messages – is it worth the fine?
The Information Commissioner has recently fined We Buy Any Car, SportsDirect.com and Saga a total of £495,000 for sending over…
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…
Alzheimer’s disease – are you eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding?
Download the podcast: NHS Continuing Healthcare funding
As the nation gets older and the strains on social care become greater…
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 does it take to administer an estate?
One of the first questions I am asked by clients is how long will the administration of the estate take? …
Moore Barlow strengthens Court of Protection Team with partner hire
South East-based law firm, Moore Barlow has announced the appointment of Rebecca Sparrow as a partner in the Court of…
Data Protection: Courts reduce the type of legal claim available for cyber-attacks
Warren v DSG Retail Limited
Background
In a recent High Court decision that will be welcomed by data controllers and…
Reimagining the future of your business after lockdown
As more and more of us return to work and businesses continue to open their doors back up, we take…
Share buybacks: advice for buyers and sellers
Share buybacks are very useful in allowing shareholders to leave a company without the other shareholders buying them out or…
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…
What are statutory books and records? Everything you need to know
What are statutory books?
A business’s statutory books contain the records of those who are the directors, secretaries and persons…
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.…
Harassment and constructive dismissal– Driscoll (née Cobbing) v & P Global Ltd and another
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has held Driscoll (née Cobbing) v & P Global Ltd and another that a Constructive…
Government publishes response to consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace
On 11 July 2019, the Government Equalities Office launched a consultation on how best to tackle sexu-al harassment in the…
Covid-19: double vaccinated NHS and social care staff can work despite instructions to self-isolate
On 19 July 2021, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced that frontline NHS and social care staff…
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…
Career in law: routes to qualification
With A level and GCSE results announced last week as a student, you might be considering your options and a…
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…
Can you legally stop grandparents seeing grandchildren in the UK?
What are grandparents rights?
It is important to note that, as a grandparent, there is no automatic “right” to have…
Alta Fixsler: European court of human rights rejects appeal to keep young girl on life support
A UK hospital may withdraw life-saving medical support from a seriously ill child after the European Court of Human Rights…
Moore Barlow commended as a top law firm for HNW individuals
Moore Barlow is proud to announce that we have been ranked in Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) 2021, reflecting the…
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…
Trevor Sterling makes history as first black senior partner at UK Top 100 law firm
Moore Barlow has today announced the election of Trevor Sterling as the firm’s new senior partner, which sees him become…
Your guide to why you need a Will
When thinking about how your estate will be passed on, you will naturally want to make sure that your wishes…
Webinar: Determining your workers’ employment status and how to manage legal risks
In the on-going Uber drivers’ case, the recent landmark decision of the Supreme Court has changed the approach that Employment…
Intestacy – Who can inherit if there is no Will
Many say they will make a Will but do nothing. Perhaps they think making a Will is expensive or they…
How not to lose £140,000 in Tax
On top of the Nil Rate band of £325,000, since 2017, individuals can also receive the Residence Nil Rate Band.…
Key points to consider when diversifying your farm
In recent years, we’ve seen a shift in the agricultural market which has required farmers to be more agile in…
Everyone’s Invited: Ofsted’s report on its review into sexual harassment and sexual violence
The Everyone’s Invited movement has brought to light the widespread trivialising and normalising of peer on peer sexual harassment and…
Teachers’ Pensions Scheme – the latest developments
As daily school life returns ever closer to normal, a continuing key focus for school governors and senior leadership teams…
Belief that biological sex is immutable is protected under the Equality Act
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has held that a belief that biological sex is immutable is protected as a philosophical belief…
Staff Accommodation – have you updated since the April 2021 change?
On 6 April 2021, HMRC withdrew the “representative occupier” exemption for the tax treatment of staff accommodation. Previously this had…
Teacher Assessed Grades: Preparing for results day and grade appeals
Having completed the process of submitting their Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs) for the 2021 summer exams, schools are now waiting…
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…
Has Covid-19 changed estate planning?
The basics of estate planning remain unchanged, but Covid-19 has inevitably forced some temporary measures to be adopted, with aspects…
Working from home guidance not to be lifted until 19 July
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson previously indicated that the government’s current work from home guidance will end on 21 June…
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”…
Acas report on costs of workplace conflict
On 11 May 2021, Acas published a report addressing the impact of workplace conflict on individuals and employers, helping to…
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…
Disability discrimination case law – All Answers Ltd v W and Another
In the recent case of All Answers Ltd v W and Another, the Court of Appeal has held that when…
Unintentional indirect discrimination
What is indirect discrimination?
Indirect discrimination is where a provision, criterion or practice, which are not intended to treat anyone…
Protection from detriment in health and safety
The draft Employment Rights Act 1996 (Protection from Detriment in Health and Safety Cases) (Amendment) Order 2021 came into force…
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…
Lenders, what’s your liability when an undisclosed commission has been paid?
In April, my colleague Susannah Marsh wrote an article regarding the Court of Appeal outcome in the cases of Wood…
Webinar: Intellectual property and artificial intelligence
As the worlds of business and technology continue to collide, spurred on by all the developments due to COVID-19, Moore…
Don’t bet on your exclusion clause – lessons learned from Green v Betfred
The recent High Court decision of Andrew Green and Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited t/a Betfred is a useful reminder of the…
Indemnities in Technology Contracts
Most suppliers of software and other forms of technology accept that they must indemnify customers if they breach third parties’…
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…
Moore Barlow advises BANAIR (Holdings) on its acquisition of Bright Structures Limited
BANAIR is a growing UK based engineering group with manufacturing in the UK and Poland, and sales markets mainly in…
Webinar: Business contracts and technology
Moore Barlow’s Commercial & Technology law held a webinar on important recent legal developments affecting the drafting and negotiation of…
“No-fault divorce” to become law from 6 April 2022
After eagerly anticipating that “no-fault divorce” would become law in late summer/early autumn this year, it has finally been announced…
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…
Webinar: Managing work from home arrangements: considerations for employers
This webinar will give an overview of the considerations that employers need to give to work from home set-ups on…
Creditor Alert – the new Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space)
On 4 May 2021, a new Government scheme came into force that aims to offer greater protection to debtors with…
Top tip for investing in fine wine – everything you need to know
The current market volatility is seeing a of investors diversifying their investment portfolios. One of the alternative asset classes which…
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…
Second OTS Capital Gains Tax report released – What are the additional recommendations?
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has now released the second part of its review into Capital Gains Tax (CGT).…
Webinar: Funding and exploiting your company’s innovation and IP rights
It is estimated that for most SME’s more than 50% of their value resides in intellectual property or other intangibles.…
Protecting your assets in a divorce
When facing a marital breakdown* and an uncertain future, often the last thing that parties think about is their estate…
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…
What is Commercial Mediation? Commercial Mediation Solicitor Services
What is commercial mediation?
Commercial mediation is a flexible, voluntary and confidential form of alternative dispute resolution in which a…
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)…
Right road back to the office
The Government’s roadmap out of the current lockdown has undoubtedly been welcome news for employers, who can now start planning…
Kalifa Review on the UK Fintech sector
The UK fintech sector has been a vibrant growth story over the past decade or so and, not surprisingly, the…
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…
The new form of a Section 8 Notice Housing Act
From 4 May 2021, the prescribed form of notice seeking possession under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 will…
NHS Continuing Healthcare post Covid funding
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, many hospital inpatients were relocated to care and nursing homes…
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…
Online applications on the line
In the case of Mallon v Aecom Ltd, the Employment Appeal Tribunal was required to delve into the Equality Act…
Is your farming partnership fit for purpose?
US President Dwight D Eisenhower is quoted as saying “farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and…
When a “sleep-in” counts as work
In Royal Mencap Society v Tomlinson-Blake and Shannon v Rampersad (t/a Clifton House Residential Home), the Supreme Court held that…
Home is where the holiday is
The Government’s indicative roadmap out of lockdown has prompted a boom in both UK and foreign holiday bookings, with the…
What you need to consider before buying a vineyard
If you or your client are considering purchasing or investing in a vineyard, you’ll need to consider the following as…
Document retention period changes
If you are working in HR, it is important that you are familiar with the statutory retention periods for certain…
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…
Moore Barlow advises Brooklyn Vendor Assurance in £1.8m deal
Moore Barlow has advised the fast-growing technology company, Brooklyn Vendor Assurance, in a deal that sees it secure £1.8m seed…
Asda equal pay ruling
In the latest installment of the equal pay claims saga, the Supreme Court rejected Asda’s appeal that shop floor workers…
Uber accepts drivers as “workers”
In Uber BV and Others v Aslam and Others, the Supreme Court looked in detail at the relationship between the…
Webinar: Emerging from lockdown and how to manage the return to the workplace
As the UK continues to progress along the government’s roadmap towards the end of restrictions, many employers are turning their…
Lasting Power of Attorney and why it is important
The severe and lengthy Covid-19 illness of Derek Draper has received heavy coverage in the media.
The recent documentary “Kate…
Webinar: Everyone’s Invited: peer-on-peer abuse
The Everyone’s Invited movement is but the latest spotlight to fall on safeguarding in schools.
The list of allegations seems…
Moore Barlow secures modular home developer BoKlok UK as new client
BoKlok UK, the sustainable, quality affordable home provider, has appointed law firm Moore Barlow as its exclusive conveyancing solicitors for…
Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) for non-residents
The standard rates of SDLT on acquiring residential property currently range between 0% and 12%. In addition to this however,…
Moore Barlow’s corporate team completes deals worth £830M in record-breaking run
Team completes one deal a week in the run up to the 2020/21 tax year end
Moore Barlow’s corporate team…
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…
Court of appeal judgment clarifies legality of undisclosed broker commissions
The ruling In Wood v Commercial First Business Ltd & Ors [2021] EWCA Civ 471provides ‘much-needed clarity’ to the lending…
What are the benefits of Discretionary Trusts in wills?
Making a Will can be a daunting task, especially when you are trying to plan for a number of different…
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) for business owners
What is an LPA?
An LPA is a legal document that allows you (the donor) to appoint representatives (attorneys) to…
Webinar: Looking back going forward: an employment law update
At the beginning of 2020 the focus of Employment Lawyers and HR professionals was on the impact of Brexit on…
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…
Schools – the extended furlough scheme
The furlough scheme is helping a large number of schools to reduce their overheads at a time when their revenue…
Keeping children safe in education – January 2021 update
To reflect the end of the Brexit transition period, the Government has updated Keeping Children Safe in Education. The relevant…
Parent contract – time for an update?
The closure of schools due to Covid-19 has been an unprecedented challenge. In addition to the difficulties associated with remote…
Back to school after lockdown 3 – Q&A
The news that pupils would be returning to school on 8 March threw up lots of questions and concerns from…
Unqualified prep-school teacher succeeds in claims for unfair dismissal and age discrimination and is awarded over £140,000 – Sue Allington v Grange Rose Hill School Limited (the School)
The School, an independent co-ed prep school for children aged 3-13 in Tunbridge Wells, Kent dismissed Sue Allington, aged 60,…
Teachers’ pensions – a continuing issue
The last 12 months have been some of the hardest the independent schools sector has had to face. Attention has…
Teacher-assessed grades this summer
For the second year running, responsibility falls on teachers to award exam grades to their students. After the fiasco of…
World Glaucoma Week 2021
It’s World Glaucoma Week (7 – 13 March 2021), an initiative of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA). The aim is…
Don’t wait to make a Lasting Power of Attorney
Most people make Lasting Powers of Attorney in case they lose capacity later in life but, sadly, mental or physical…
Moore Barlow advises Thirdspace on strategic deal with TIG
Deal creates the UK’s Leading Advanced Digital MSP
Moore Barlow has advised ThirdSpace, the UK’s leading professional services provider of…
Beware assets which are not caught by your will
Most people understand the importance of making a will, to determine what will happen to their money and property when…
Budget 2021 tax changes: What you need to know
Budget 2021 has been announced. Unsurprisingly, given the ongoing pandemic, a large part of the Chancellor’s speech was focused on…
Furlough scheme extended until September 2021
The Chancellor of the Exchequer – Rishi Sunak – has announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough scheme), which…
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…
Year-end tax planning before 5 April 2021
The end of the current 2020/21 tax year is approximately one month away now (5 April 2021). For many people,…
Race case out of time
In Adedeji v University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, the Court of Appeal upheld an employment judge’s refusal to grant…
Gender pay gap reporting
Last year, enforcement of gender pay gap reporting was suspended due to Covid and many firms chose not to submit…
Are you ready for wage rises?
This is the time of year when employment lawyers and HR professionals prepare for the changes to rates and limits…
Indirect sex discrimination – childcare
In the case of Cumming v British Airways plc the EAT considered how to determine if a provision, criteria or…
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…
Extension to off payroll working rules
Before words like ‘coronavirus’, ‘pandemic’ and ‘social-distancing’ became part of our daily vocabulary, a topic high on the agenda was…
Using the “reasonable steps” defence
Many employers when faced with a discrimination or harassment claim by one employee in relation to conduct by one or…
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…
Charitable gifting in wills – everything you need to know
Whether done during life, or on death, gifting money or other assets to charity is very common and commendable. This…
Supply chain contracts: Are you up to speed with new insolvency rules?
Recent changes to insolvency law have had a major impact on supply chain contracts across the industry. John Warchus, takes…
How will the National Security and Investment Bill affect tech sector deals?
The Government wants “greater safeguarding powers to ensure that a small number of investments that may aim to harm the…
What’s next for data protection?
The end of the Brexit transition period brings some important changes to data protection laws. If your business transfers personal…
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…
May the force majeure be with you?
As we all navigate the uncharted territory of the coronavirus, in the world of contracts the force majeure clause has…
Inheritance Tax and Lifetime Gifts – ITV’s ‘Finding Alice’ explained
For those watching ITV’s ‘Finding Alice’, the show has raised questions for viewers concerning inheritance tax. In the very first…
How to buy your own plot of woodland
Why is the purchase of woodland increasing in popularity?
The coronavirus pandemic has led many to readdress their priorities, particularly…
Moore Barlow managing partner recognised for game-changing merger
Ed Whittington, managing partner of law firm, Moore Barlow, has been recognised as one of the legal industry’s leading figures…
The effect of the Brexit trade deal on the UK tech sector
The UK technology sector received an estimated £30 billion in investment between 2017 and 2019 – more than in France…
Cervical screening targets are still not being met
Women between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening under the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.…
What is hybrid family mediation and is it for me?
Family mediation is a way of sorting out any issues you might have about dividing up your finances upon a…
Webinar: Guiding charities through meeting protocols and how to efficiently conduct business
Meetings are a fact of life when it comes to running a charity. The way a charity is structured will…
Webinar: Dealing with Charity Property – an overview of the requirements of the Charities Act and how to comply with them
Many charities have property assets, which are sometimes quite substantial. The Charities Act imposes various requirements in relation to dealings…
Webinar: Duties and responsibilities of charity trustees’ – what does good governance look like?
It has never been more important for charity trustees to understand the nature of their role and what is required…
Webinar: Strategic Planning for 2021 – how should charities approach restructures and redundancies?
Given the unprecedented financial challenges of 2020 and the impending end of the extended furlough scheme, many charities are actively…
Webinar: Independent schools – Strategic planning for the challenges of 2021
After one of the most challenging years in recent memory, strategic planning for the year to come has never been…
Landmark judgement gives children the right to claim for clinical negligence for advice given pre-conception
Historic judgement gives children injured by negligent advice affecting a parent’s ability to have a healthy child the right to…
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.…
How long is ‘longterm’ when it comes to disability?
The definition of disability in the Equality Act 2010 is that a person has a physical or mental impairment which…
Are anxious whistleblowers blowing into the wind?
Recent research by the whistleblowing charity Protect found that UK employers disregarded nearly half of all their employees’ coronavirus-related concerns.…
Health and Safety protections extended to Gig economy workers
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain v The Secretary of State for Work & Pensions and others.A recent decision…
Virtual witnessing of wills
The Wills Act 1837 (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Order 2020 has come into effect this month making it legal for…
Courts take a strict approach to force majeure clauses
2 Entertain Video Ltd v Sony DADC Europe Ltd [2020]
BackgroundIn Covid-19 times, a recent decision from the Technology and…
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…
Reminder – Time limits for furlough claims from 1 November
There are new stricter time limits for making claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough). These apply during the…
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…
Legal guide to buying a farm
The pandemic has led to greater appreciation of the countryside and of shopping locally, which is good news for the…
Family law and property transactions – unregistered land
As family lawyers, we work closely with colleagues in other teams to provide expertise to our clients going through relationship…
Farm succession planning
The Moss family has farmed Manor Farm for 150 years and is a highly respected local family. They’re just about…
Moving to the National Park- From the old life to the New Forest?
As I write this from my home office in the New Forest, I’m looking out on a picture-perfect postcard of…
OTS Capital Gains Tax report released – What are the recommendations?
Back in July 2020, I wrote about the Chancellor commissioning the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) to undertake a review…
Notice pay for furloughed employees
As we will all now be aware, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (commonly known as the ‘furlough scheme’) has been…
How to avoid courts to lessen the pain of family break-ups
The Times recently published an article ‘Avoid courts to lessen the pain of family break-ups‘ quoting “We need to move…
Holiday time for stamp duty
In his Summer Statement the Chancellor announced a temporary reduction in residential stamp duty land tax (SDLT) rates in England…
Settlement agreement guidance – what is a settlement agreement?
If you are in the unfortunate position of being made redundant or your employment is coming to an end for…
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…
Extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Guidance released
On 5 November, the Chancellor announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (commonly known as the ‘furlough scheme’) which was…
New proposed road safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists
The Covid-19 pandemic saw a rise in the population choosing to walk and cycle. With restrictions in place during the…
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…
Covid-19: Extension of furlough
The Prime Minister has announced that England will be entering into a national lockdown from Thursday 5 November until at…
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…
Covid-19: Job Support Scheme Guidance now available
In September the Chancellor unveiled plans for the Job Support Scheme (JSS) which comes into force from 1 November, taking…
Covid-19: Chancellor announces increased support for jobs
The Chancellor has announced plans to increase support through the Job Support Scheme which is due to come into effect…
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…
Lasting Powers of Attorney
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows a person to give another person or persons,…
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…
Keeping your IP safe
Cyber-crime is reported to be one of the fastest growing areas of crime, often involving fraudsters gaining access to IT…
Dismissal of teacher with child images on home computer was unfair says Employment Appeal Tribunal
In the recent case of K v L UKEATS/0014/18/JW the Claimant was a teacher charged by the police with possession…
New Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020: an extension of support and relaxing of rules for schools
Schools have not been isolated from the financial and social effect of the pandemic. In many cases, they are seeing…
Centre Assessed Grades: it’s not too soon to start thinking about next summer’s exams
One of the many additional challenges presented to schools as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic was the requirement for…
The Government’s crackdown on furlough fraud
When schools were forced to close in March, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many schools chose to make use of…
Difficult decisions in difficult times: how should schools approach managing redundancies?
The last seven months have been some of the hardest ever faced by the independent schools sector. Whilst the Government’s Job…
The Job Support Scheme – how does it work and can schools benefit from it?
The Government has been under increasing pressure to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which will cease providing support to…
Covid-19: Three tier lockdown and extension to the Job Support Scheme
The Prime Minister has formally unveiled plans for a new three tier system for implementing local lockdowns restrictions across England.…
Facial recognition technology – protecting privacy in a world of surveillance
The use of live or automated, facial recognition (LFR) software by law enforcement in public places is fast increasing in…
Swift v Carpenter case – long awaited Court of Appeal decision secures re-housing costs
The Court of Appeal has given its long-awaited judgment in the case of Swift v Carpenter which impacts on all…
What can I do if my ex won’t vaccinate the children?
At a time when the health of the nation is of paramount importance and everyone is striving to protect themselves…
Personality clash dismissal permitted
In most cases, dismissal of an employee without following any sort of formal procedure would lead to the conclusion that…
Dismissal unfair despite no chance of compensation
An employee was entitled to bring a claim for unfair dismissal even where there was no reasonable prospect of recovering…
World Cerebral Palsy Day 6 October 2020
On World Cerebral Palsy Day 2020, Moore Barlow celebrate the achievements of those who live with this condition and continue…
Are your trade marks ready for Brexit?
Given the recent (and ongoing) business upheaval caused by COVID-19, many businesses can be forgiven for failing to focus on…
Foster carers held to be Council employees
In the case of Glasgow City Council v Johnstone UKEATS/0011/18 the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT upheld a decision by the…
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…
Cauda Equina National Awareness Day 1st October 2020
Moore Barlow are delighted to be supporting the Cauda Equina Syndrome Association (CESA) under their charity umbrella Cauda Equina Champions…
Covid-19: New Coronavirus Regulations now in force
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020 came into force in England at midnight. The Regulations confirm and…
Covid-19: Chancellor announces Job Support Scheme
The government has been under increasing pressure to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which is going to stop providing…
Covid-19: Government U-turn on work from home guidance
In response to the rising number of cases of Covid-19, the Prime Minister outlined new measures in an address to…
Will COVID-19 lead to a surge in clinical negligence claims?
The NHS is a fantastic institution, and we are all very much aware of the increased demand on its skill…
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…
Is it true that divorces peak in September?
This September poses new challenges for separating couples. We as family lawyers often experience a busy period in September. Sadly,…
New protection for customers to supply contracts – CIGA 2020
As a result of the Corporate Insolvency Governance Act 2020 (CIGA) coming into force at the end of June, existing…
Removing a company director from office
When a company’s director is unwilling to resign, and no articles of association or shareholders’ agreement offer provision for their…
How best to manage management buy-outs (MBOs)
A management buy-out (MBO) is a transaction in which a target business is transferred, in whole or in part, to…
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…
Persons with Significant Control (PSC) regime
A business can change, but the business of identifying who is officially in control of it remains of central importance.…
Domicile checklist for expatriate divorcing couples
As a family law team with a wealth of experience in international cases and cross border divorces, we are regularly…
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…
Humanist marriages
What is a humanist marriage?
A humanist marriage is a non-religious ceremony where you are effectively in control of the…
When to apply for decree absolute: timing is everything
Many people are understandably eager to conclude the divorce and move on with their lives. This can lead to the…
Parental child abduction: summer holiday travel arrangements for children
Despite the Covid related difficulties, summer is still the time when children most frequently undertake international travel with a parent…
Covid-19: Travel abroad and compulsory quarantine – how do employers manage this?
Schools have broken up for summer holidays and more employees are now venturing out and going abroad. Already we are…
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…
Divorce and the dog – who gets to keep man’s best friend?
When a couple decides to divorce, there are often other issues that must be resolved along the way.
For many,…
OTS review of Capital Gains Tax
On 13 July, the Chancellor wrote to the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) to request that a review is undertaken…
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…
Moore Barlow commended once again as a top law firm for HNW individuals
Top 100 UK law firm Moore Barlow is proud to announce rankings in Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) 2020, reflecting…
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…
Chancellor unveils coronavirus recovery plan to save jobs
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a £30bn plan to boost the economy and prevent mass unemployment as the financial effects…
Case Law: WM Morrison Supermarkets plc v Various Claimants
When is an employer vicariously liable (i.e. responsible) for the conduct of its employee? This came up in the case…
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…
The straw that breaks the contract’s back
The concept of the ‘last straw’ in relation to constructive dismissal claims featured in the case of Williams v Governing…
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…
The difficulties of being an executor of a will – to deal or not to deal?
Executors can find themselves in a difficult position when faced with the prospect of purchasing assets from an estate, even…
The remarriage trap
One of the unfortunate consequences of the pandemic is that a large number of people have been forced to delay…
Silver separators – divorce in later life
Improved life expectancy and quality of life has resulted in a rise in the number of divorcing couples over the…
‘No-fault’ divorce bill – one step nearer
Good news, the bill to change divorce law to ‘no fault’ has passed the next stage which was a second…
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…
How quickly can I get divorced?
While the reforms making no-fault divorce possible are going through a stop-start process in parliament, you might be wondering how…
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…
What is Occupiers’ Liability and how can you protect yourself against it?
If a visitor on your land or premises falls or injures themselves, what occupiers’ liability might you have?
There are…
The Agriculture Bill
At the time of writing this article (the end of February), the Agriculture Bill is wending its way through the…
Lifetime farm valuations; ‘hope’ value and the importance of getting it right
Lifetime valuations can be a useful strategic tool for landowners. A forthcoming succession, pre-death tax planning when creating a Will,…
No probate? No problem! New High Court decision relating to the rectification of a company’s register of members
What do you do if a company’s sole member and director dies leaving the company unable to function without them,…
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.…
Can I renovate my tired residential leasehold property?
With
the rising costs of moving, many opt to stay and renovate rather than
sell. There is however, a common…
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…
Seasonal worker scheme multiplies by four
Following concerns over a lack of migrant labour as a consequence of Brexit, the government is significantly expanding its Seasonal…
Exchange of contracts within 48 hours
Buying a house is often one of the largest investments that we make, making it one of life’s most significant…
Farming divorces
Dealing with a divorce is stressful enough but when farmers divorce there are usually additional considerations. It is not uncommon…
Smart farming – have you got the legal issues covered?
Technology has always played a vital role in the agricultural sector and it should be no surprise that Smart Farming…
Using wardship for intractable child arrangement disputes
When two parents fall out, and use their child against each other, the court can step in and become the…
Where there is a horse, there is a will
The whole idea of getting up at 6am on a dark winter’s morning to ride out in the pouring rain…
Don’t forget the new 30-day window to report disposals for CGT payment
If you are in the process of considering disposing of residential property on or after 6 April 2020 new rules…
World Hypertension Day
In anticipation of World Hypertension Day, it is important to raise awareness about blood pressure monitoring and health benefits.
High…
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”)…
A Fatal Accident Act claim: How can a solicitor help
In cases of road death the victim is not only the person who has died but also those that they…
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…
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme online portal is now live
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme online portal is now live and can be accessed through the Government Gateway. There is…
Online capital gains tax (CGT) for property disposals
Further to the commencement of the new tax year last week, it is now necessary for an online capital gains…
Top 10 actions to consider during the current pandemic crisis
I recently came across a quote which said “in business, what you don’t get done today can be done tomorrow.…
Guidance for Furlough Scheme for Employees
Over the weekend, HMRC published some much needed additional guidance about the Furlough Scheme (otherwise known as the Coronavirus Job…
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…
Covid-19: Rent concessions
In current times many tenants are finding themselves in financial trouble and will be looking at ways to keep their…
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) is a Government backed scheme enabling lenders (accredited by British Business Bank), to…
Coronavirus: How to deal with stamping formalities on the sale of shares
As UK companies continue to deal with the ever-changing effect on day to day business as a result of Coronavirus…
Update for Landlords – Residential Possession Proceedings
On 27th March 2020, the Government published the new Practice Direction 51Z – in relation to residential possession proceedings during…
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…
Protecting those most at risk of domestic violence during Covid-19
Your personal safety is a priority.…
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…
What are interim payments and rehabilitation in personal injury claims?
Interim payments and rehabilitation, in personal injury claims, are of great assistance to those who have either suffered serious injury…
How can I support my customers without giving up my legal rights?
The impact of Coronavirus has meant that many retailers and other businesses have had to close their premises or are…
The Impact of the Coronavirus Act 2020 on Residential Landlords and Tenants
The Coronavirus Act 2020 came into force on 26 March 2020, and is a wide-ranging means of support to almost…
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: Key points for terminating contracts
As the business upheaval of Coronavirus increases day by day, we have been approached for advice by a growing number…
Covid-19 – what happens to my hearing now?
Now that we are in lockdown we have been advised that the courts are no longer proceeding with the traditional face…
Coronavirus: Filings at Companies House
As UK companies continue to deal with the staggering implications of Coronavirus, one of the challenges which directors may face…
Coronavirus: Business Interruption Loan Scheme – Further details on Lending Criteria
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) is now available.…
What happens to spousal maintenance now?
The Coronavirus outbreak will have a far-reaching effect on all aspects of life, including income and job security. Your business…
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.…
The impact of the coronavirus on marriage, divorce and children
The outbreak of COVID-19 (“the Coronavirus”) brings unprecedented times with it, and family law is one of many aspects of…
International Day of Happiness – Happier Together?
On 20th March, the world will celebrate the International Day of Happiness, which is likely not going to be at…
Coronavirus: The impact on commercial contracts
Can I (or the other party) get out of an onerous contract because of coronavirus? …
Coronavirus: Bad debts and commercial disputes
It will be increasingly likely that invoices will not be paid on time or will be disputed in some form…
Covid-19: Government support for business
On 17 March 2020, the Chancellor issued an update in respect of a temporary financial package aimed at providing support…
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…
Budget 2020: Key points
On 11 March 2020, the new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, delivered his first Budget. It was also the first Budget since…
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 – How safe is your supply chain?
As coronavirus quickly develops from a local to a global threat, there are also increasing commercial concerns in relation to…
The corporate veil: an overview and update from recent cases
What is the “corporate veil”?
A key feature of a limited company under English law is that it exists as…
New electrical safety regulations for private sector landlords in 2020
New landlord electrical safety regulations means that private sector landlords will have to carry out mandatory five-year electrical safety checks…
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…
Settlement Agreements: ensuring a MOORE favourable exit
If you are an employee and your employer has just mentioned a ‘settlement agreement’, you are probably wondering what is…
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.…
Avoiding IR35 – The importance of getting your contract right
From 6 April 2020, new IR35 rules come into force which mean that medium and large private sector companies in…
Surrogacy and donor FAQs
Who are the child’s legal parents?…
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…
Can a birthday card be discriminatory?
A legal secretary, Miss Munro, whose colleagues asked about her 50th birthday and sent her abirthday card, claimed she suffered…
Budget predictions for farmers and landowners
There is now less than a month before we hear what Rishi Sunak disclosures in his first budget. Here are…
Religious Marriages – Where do you stand?
Couples who have a religious marriage in England need to be very aware of their rights otherwise, as history has…
£9,000 settlement for transgender woman
A transgender woman who claimed she was rejected for a job as a temporary sales assistant withDebenhams has received a…
Government sexual harassment survey
In one of the largest ever surveys of its kind to be carried out, the Government EqualitiesOffice is surveying thousands…
£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,…
What do Valentine’s Day and Divorce have in common?
It might seem impossible but Valentine’s Day and divorce have one thing in common; they can be the beginning of…
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.…
Same-sex marriage FAQs
The end of a relationship is a difficult time, but it’s important not to rush into decisions.…
APPG for Inheritance & Intergenerational Fairness published a report which recommended a ‘complete overhaul’ of IHT
At the end of last month the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Inheritance & Intergenerational fairness (APPGIIF) published a report which…
What does the future hold for your lease?
For most of us, the biggest asset we will own in our lifetime is our home.…
I am in a civil partnership, can I get divorced?
The most frequently asked questions from our clients in a civil partnership.…
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…
What’s right for you? Civil partnership or marriage?
In a landmark case in 2018, a heterosexual couple won the right to enter into a civil partnership. This resulted…
The use of social media by employees and how social media policies have been used by companies
Social media has revolutionised the way people communicate. With people increasingly creating andsharing content online, the nature of that communication…
FAQs on mediation
What is mediation?…
The pitfalls of incorporating with model articles
All limited companies must have articles of association. They are a publicly available document setting out the rules that officers…
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…
Employees living on site
Many roles in the UK require employees to live close to their place of work.
Sometimes, employees are required to…
Employee loses company £200,000 in fraud
An employee who was a victim of a £200,000 email scam has been told she does not have torepay £108,000…
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…
£700,000 awarded to headteacher sacked for having sex with 17-year-olds
A primary school headteacher who was sacked for having sex with two 17-year-old boys has wonnearly £700,000 in compensation.…
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…
Hazard on the highway – road surface is not in great shape!
I put pen to paper after having weaved around a number of potholes and noted that they are increasing in…
Top FAQs for divorce
The most frequently asked questions from our clients going through a divorce.…
Thinking of proposing?
Are you thinking about popping the question this Christmas? Or do you think your partner may ask you? If it…
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…
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) – An update
Conclusion of Phase 1 of the residential schools investigation
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) was set up…
Separated parents: disputes about schooling
There are a countless number of decisions parents need to make for their children throughout the course of their lives.…
Don’t underestimate the importance of a company’s statutory registers
If you are planning on selling your company, at some stage in the process you will be asked “Do you…
Benefits of rehabilitation
The purpose of a civil law claim for personal injury compensation is, as far as possible, to put the injured…
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…
Vegetarianism is not a Protected Characteristic
The Employment Tribunal (“the ET”) has recently handed down judgment in the case of Conisbee v Crossley that vegetarianism is not a…
Preventing Charity fraud – new Charity Commission guidance
The Charity Commission has recently issues important new guidance on preventing charity fraud which should be incorporated by all schools…
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…
No pro-rating of holiday pay for term-time only teachers on permanent contracts
The recent case of Harpur Trust v Brazel witnessed the Court of Appeal attempting to clarify the complex issue of holiday pay…
SEN exclusions – the Tribunal’s power to revoke discriminatory exclusions
Last year we reported on the case of C and C –v- Governing Body of a School and Others which changed the…
Involved in a road crash where driver at fault is uninsured – what can you do?
If you are involved in a non fault road traffic collision where you have sustained serious injury then you are…
Involved in a “Hit and Run” Road Crash- what can you do?
If you are involved in a non fault road traffic collision where you have sustained serious injury then you are…
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…
Trade marks – creating a level playing field for businesses
Bentley 1962 Limited and another v Bentley Motors Limited
The High Court has recently handed down a decision in a…
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…
Proposed abolition of Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988
The Government has issued a Consultation Paper entitled “A New Deal for Renting”, seeking views on how to implement its…
Halloween doesn’t have to be a nightmare for separated parents
With Halloween often falling on or around the first half term of the school year, this is usually the first…
Stamp Duty Land Tax – Mixed Use update
On 25 June 2019 HMRC issued updated guidance on the meaning of ‘garden and grounds’ for the purposes of Stamp…
Putting unused buildings to good use
There are many ways of putting redundant agricultural buildings back into use. Diversification can help stabilise the farm across the…
Brexit and farming subsidies, insolvency & restructuring concerns
Our insolvency & restructuring team sits within our Rural Sector team, working to warn farmers and encourage them to seek…
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…
The New Forest National Park has adopted a new ‘Local Plan’
The New Forest National Park has adopted a new ‘Local Plan’ containing stronger policies to help safeguard the Forest’s landscape…
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)…
Casual seasonal workers and holiday pay
A casual worker is entitled to paid holiday, and their entitlement pay is calculated pro rata by reference to the…
Collecting antiques and works of art
There is nothing like the thrill of hunting down that one rare piece at an auction or antiques fair to…
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]…
Tesco manager unfairly dismissed
An ex-Tesco manager, who said she was “left in the dark” about changes to her role and subsequently suspended for…
Vegetarianism not a philosophical belief
Conisbee v Crossley Farms Ltd and others
In an intriguing case, the Tribunal considered whether vegetarianism is a belief, and…
Employer claim response too generic
Upton-Hansen Architects v Gyftaki…
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…
World Cerebral Palsy Day – 6 October 2019
As World Cerebral Palsy Day approaches on 6 October 2019, Moore Blatch support all those with cerebral palsy, and call…
What should I do if I’m thinking about divorce?
There is no one size fits all when it comes to divorce. Every situation is different from the next and…
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…
Demystifying pre-nups – understanding pre-nuptial agreements
Imagine that your wedding is just a couple of months away – the happiest day of your life – and…
Know Your Numbers! Week 2019
All this week is Blood Pressure UK’s ‘Know Your Numbers! Week’ which is about raising awareness of the importance of…
Open Sight Hampshire Petition for Mandatory Eye Tests for Children
You may have seen coverage on BBC South this week regarding Open Sight Hampshire’s petition to make it mandatory for…
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…
How to avoid court if a relationship breaks down
Family breakdown is never easy, especially when coming to an agreement regarding children and finances. This is compounded if you…
Data Protection – How to deal with Subject Access Requests?
Rudd v Bridle
Following the arrival of GDPR there has been a notable increase in the number of subject access…
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…
Ruling on unreasonable covenants comes as a relief
Tillman v Egon Zehnder Limited.…
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…
Heatwave calls for flexible working
During last month’s scorching heat wave, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) called foremployers to let staff work flexible hours or…
Protecting new parents from discrimination
Pregnancy or maternity discrimination is illegal under the Equality Act, yet up to 54,000 women a
year still feel forced…
What may help you prove fault after a road traffic collision
There is no automatic right to compensation following a road traffic collision. It has to first be established that the…
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…
Telecoms Code – can Code rights be defeated where a land owner intends to redevelop?
…
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…
Office of Tax Simplification review inheritance tax
Earlier this month the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) published its second and final report in relation to its review…
Is there a time limit for bringing a personal injury claim?
There will almost always be a time limit for you to have either settled a claim for personal injury compensation…
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…
British Airways to be fined a record £183 million for data breach
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published its intention to fine British Airways £183.39 million under the General Data Protection…
Pride and Prejudice – Marriage in Modern Times
Marriage has become a more inclusive term over the past decade with the introduction of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples)…
Tribunal procedure – strike out
ICTS Limited v Visram.…
Employers knowledge of disability scrutinised
Baldeh v Churches Housing Association of Dudley and District Ltd.…
Parental leave – equal pay?
A recent ruling by the Court of Appeal (COA) has clarified the differing purposes of sharedparental leave (ShPL) and maternity…
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.…
HMRC loses another IR35 appeal
Atholl House Productions Ltd v HMRC.…
Identifying Parental Alienation
Recently, lawyers, judges and social workers have become increasingly aware of parental alienation. It is however just as crucial for…
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…
Who gets the dog in the divorce: a tall tail
I have dealt with several cases where the biggest bone of contention (excuse the pun) was the family pet. In…
Moore Barlow approach to brain injury
Our first port of call is to fully understand the mechanics of the injury, and to use our experience of…
Brain Injury Rehabilitation – are you getting the right support?
Brain injuries sadly affect more lives in the UK than one may think. According to Headway, one of the UK’s…
Can I change my child’s name?
Parents might want to change their child’s name for a variety of reasons. Perhaps there is an absent parent or…
The Hidden Dangers in #Hinchhauls
With the rise in the popularity of using a variety of the latest cleaning products advocated by popular Instagram accounts…
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…
Injury Cost Recovery Campaign Update
Cross-party support for ICR review shows the time for change is now.…
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…
Ensuring distribution agreements comply with UK and EU competition law
UK and EU competition law prohibits anti-competitive agreements between businesses. There are heavy penalties for infringements. When setting up a…
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…
Can we sue our new robot overlords? – The rise in AI and legal liability
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications is seeing exciting new technologies being introduced to the…
Getting out of onerous contracts – The Brexit effect
Whatever your views on Brexit, the ongoing saga is recognised in many quarters as being bad for UK Plc due…
Google hit with largest GDPR fine of £44 million
Earlier this year, Google was fined £44 million (50 million euros) by the French data regulator for breaching the data…
Transaction top tips
We are seeing numerous transactions in the TMT sector, many of which are a consolidation of the market. Additionally, a…
Who do you pay?
It is easy to forget that invoices were once sent by post – a cheque was raised, dispatched by post,…
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…
Managing mental health during separation and divorce
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from Monday 13th May to Sunday 19th May. It’s therefore a good time to…
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…
Don’t shoot the whistleblower
The aim of integrity, health and safety, and fair competition should apply to most, if not all, industries and therefore…
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…
Personal injury quantifiable in rest-break claims
The case of Grange v Abellio London Ltd will be of particular interest to employers as it confirms that non-compliance…
Not all workers get 20 uninterrupted minutes off
In the recent case of Network Rail Infrastructure v Crawford, for workers deemed “special workers”, compensatory rest need not be…
When is a worker an employee?
In a recent landmark case that was hailed the ‘first public sector gig economy victory’, a group of art educators…
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…
No more staff parties?
Following a recent compensation claim for £300,000 against Cancer Research UK by one of its employees during a staff party,…
Home or Away
Easter offers many parents an opportunity to take their children on holiday and the big question is often home or…
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…
Mother’s Day, an opportunity to reflect
Mother’s day, otherwise known as Mothering Sunday, is around the corner. It is often considered a day for children 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…
Department for Education publishes draft Relationships and Sex Education statutory guidance
The Government has recently conducted a consultation on Relationships and Sex Education in schools in England and produced new draft…
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…
Can a direct discrimination claim be based on the employer’s religion or belief?
In Gan Menachem Hendon Limited v De Groen the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) considered whether an employee could bring a claim for…
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…
Commoner’s corner #Grazingisgood
The New Forest National Park and Commoner’s Defence Association have launched the #grazingisgood campaign, which recognises the benefit commoning brings…
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…
Will Jenny from the Block have a pre-nup?
The announcement that Jennifer Lopez has become engaged to former US baseball player Alex Rodriguez has caught the public’s imagination.…
Equine negligence
Professionals have insurance to protect them when accidents happen. If your local vet reversed their car into you, or you…
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…
‘Mixed-use’ rate – Stamp Duty Tax
When you purchase property in the UK you will normally be subject to paying Stamp Duty Land Tax (“SDLT”) on…
Effects and symptoms of brain injury
A brain injury can have a devastating effect and cause a wide range of different symptoms. In this article, Moore…
Iceland in frosty wage – Dispute with HMRC
Iceland Foods are in a dispute with HMRC over the company’s Christmas savings scheme.…
Escape to the country
At Moore Blatch, we regularly act for purchasers who are based in London and other urban centres who are looking…
Pay-gap reporting deadlines loom
Gender pay: New legislation introduced in 2018 requires large employers (250 employees or more) to publish their overall mean and…
AHA Tenancies – Obtaining vacant possession
We are regularly being asked to report on the status of agricultural tenants who occupy land required for development by…
Degloving injuries – your key questions answered
A degloving injury is a severe injury where the outer skin becomes separated from the tissue underneath. Degloving injuries of…
Headway South West London
Headway South West London (HWSWL) is a dedicated charity that helps individuals with brain injury, and their families and carers,…
A guide to orthopaedic negligence claims
What is the definition of an orthopaedic injury?
Put simply, an orthopaedic injury is any deformity/disorder/disease of the skeleton (bones)…
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…
Restrictive covenants under scrutiny in landmark case
In the case of Tillman v Egon Zehnder Ltd, the Supreme Court is considering whether professional services firm Egon Zehnder…
Top athlete fails to win employment status
Former Team-GB cyclist Jess Varnish brought an Employment Tribunal claim against British Cycling and UK Sport, with the aim of…
Case law update – Restrictive covenants
The case of Jones v Oven [2018] EWCA Civ 1895; [2018] 8 WLUK 105 looked at the effect of restrictive…
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…
Succession planning for farmers – Top tips for success
Farming succession is absolutely imperative to the success of individual farmers, but it is also integral to the overall agricultural…
Perry v Raleys Solicitors
In today’s decision in Perry v Raleys Solicitors, the Supreme Court has over-turned the Court of Appeal’s decision, and confirmed…
More NHS screening targets being missed
You may recall last year there were serious incidents reported regarding cervical and breast cancer screening programmes, when thousands of…
Data breaches by rogue employees – employers still liable: Vicarious liability applies
The Court of Appeal recently upheld a decision of the High Court that found Morrisons Supermarkets vicariously liable for the…
NHS Long Term Plan – The Ophthalmic Angle
Last week I blogged about the government’s newly announced Long Term Plan for NHS England which was introduced earlier this…
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…
The NHS Long-Term Plan – The right way forwards?
It is a relief to hear the ongoing Brexit saga has not entirely consumed all of the civil service’s time…
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…
What is unfavourable treatment in discrimination?
The Supreme Court (“SC”) has clarified what amounts to “unfavourable treatment” for the purposes of a claim for discrimination arising…
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…
Sharp rise in Employment Tribunal claims
There’s been a dramatic rise in Employment Tribunal claims since fees for bringing an employment claim were abolished in July…
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…
Job hunters focus on gender pay gap
Six out of ten women would take into consideration an organisation’s gender pay gap when looking for a job, according…
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…
Gay cake’ ruling provides lessons for employment law
On 10 October 2018, arguably one of the most highly anticipated court judgments of our time – in the so-called…
Christmas party bust-up: boss to blame. The case of Bellman v Northampton Recruitment Ltd
An employer can be held liable for the unlawful actions of one of its employees if it takes place during…
Saving sight on World Diabetes Day
It is World Diabetes Day on Wednesday 14 November 2018. Sadly Type 2 Diabetes is widely considered to be amongst…
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…
Is Privacy Shield still adequate for data transfers to the US?
In July 2016, the European Commission formally adopted Privacy Shield, a new framework for exchanges of personal data between the…
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…
Goodlife Foods Limited v Hall Fire Protection Limited
A recent case ‘Goodlife Foods Ltd v Hall Fire Protection Ltd’ has once again shown that the courts often place…
Question and answer – Morgan Innovation and Technology Ltd
A family run innovation company, Morgan Innovation and Technology Ltd design, develop and manufacture innovative products in medical, defence and…
ICO gets tough: Equifax fined £500,000 under the “old” rules for very serious data breach
The recent introduction into UK law of the more stringent General Data Protection Regulation rules (GDPR) has certainly raised awareness…
New AMD treatment hopes for age-related sight loss
The 11th October 2018 is World Sight Day (WSD), an annual day of awareness to focus attention on blindness and…
Workers taking sick days drops to record low
Nearly 9 in 10 HR professionals have noticed that employees are spending longer at work than is required of them.…
The medical negligence claims process
Coming to terms with the fact that a doctor or hospital has been negligent in their treatment of you is…
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…
£16k for schoolgirl in Pizza Hut sexual harassment case
Pizza Hut have been ordered to pay £15,800 to a schoolgirl who was working as a receptionist in a Pizza…
Unfair dismissal claims: When do statutory notice periods need to be added to qualifying service?
‘Lancaster and Duke Ltd v Wileman’…
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…
AHA tenancy loophole
We all work in the rural sector so the basics of AHA tenancies under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 (AHA)…
Boundary disputes and encroachments
Rural and agricultural properties and Estates often have boundaries that are not clearly demarcated by physical boundary structures. …
Commoner’s Corner, New Forest rights – does your property benefit?
The New Forest was designated a national park in 2005 and is one of the most visited National Parks in…
Every farmer should have a lasting powers of attorney
A Property & Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can prove essential in helping to protect a farm should…
Somerset farming company fined £16,000 for breach of work at height regulations
Evercreech Park Farms Ltd was recently fined £16,000 and ordered to pay legal costs of just under £3,500 for a breach of the Work at…
Rising cost of inheritance tax
HMRC has confirmed that there has been a significant increase in the amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) received in tax…
The eviction process
To lawfully obtain possession of residential property where the tenant has not voluntarily vacated (or surrendered possession), you will require…
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. …
Ban on letting agents’ tenant fees
As was widely-reported and subsequently consulted upon by the Department for Communities and Local Government earlier in the year, the…
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…
The importance of insurance in exclusion of liability clauses
Goodlife Foods Limited v Hall Fire Protection Limited
This decision has once again shown that the courts often place considerable…
Who can see my will?
We are frequently contacted by individuals wanting to confirm if we are holding a family member’s will.…
Dismissal for misconduct without prior warning
The case of Mbubaegbu v Homerton University Hospital considered when dismissal for misconduct without prior warning can be reasonable. It…
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…
The taxing issue of wine
Many people have an interest in wine. Not just the drinking of it, but also the laying down and collection…
Disabled workers pay gap widens
The pay gap for disabled workers is at its highest since 2013, and disabled workers now earn on average £1.50…
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?…
Selective Licensing of Private Landlords by Local Authorities
Local authorities in England and Wales are able to designate specified areas within their jurisdiction for selective licensing schemes. Landlords…
Pimlico Plumbers lose in Supreme Court
Self-employed plumber Gary Smith has won his case against his former employer, Pimlico Plumbers. The case concerned whether Gary was…
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…
Babies most likely to be born at 4 am. Is the NHS ready?
A new study carried out by the University College London performed between 2005 and 2014 analysed data of 5 million…
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…
NHS funding warning sees likely increase in taxes
It is no secret the NHS is in slipping deeper and deeper into financial crisis – more so now than…
The centuries old system of signing and witnessing deeds in property transactions
On 5 April 2018, the Land Registry registered the first digitally signed mortgage deed.…
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…
The health and social care crisis
The Care Funding crisis has been a topic of debate for quite some time. Despite the government’s commitment to ‘put…
Best interests and mental capacity
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) is a defining piece of legislation designed to protect and empower vulnerable people who…
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…
Ensure you understand how to tax notice pay when it is paid in lieu following recent changes to the law in this area
This April saw the most significant change to the taxation of termination payments in many years. The intention of the…
The gender pay gap- did you fail to report?
More than 1500 companies who employ over 250 people failed to report their gender pay gap results on the 4th…
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…
The Equalities and Human Rights Commission identifies widespread Sexual Harassment failures
The Equalities and Human Rights Commission has identified widespread failures by employers to set out sufficient processes and policies on…
Should a high earning capacity be shared upon divorce?
The Court of Appeal has released judgment in the case of Waggott v Waggott saying no it shouldn’t and dismissing…
Strict liability continues – Case law update
Following the case of Mirvahedy v Henley in 2003, it is well known that if an animal causes damage to…
Facebook’s data processing scandal could set the tone for GDPR claims
Ahead of the implementation of the GDPR on 25 May, Facebook and its relationship with Cambridge Analytica could set a…
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…
Farming dispute following a bereavement – private client perspective
The case of Sargeant v Sargeant 2018 EWHC 8 Ch focuses on the case of a farmer’s widow, Jane Sargeant,…
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…
Commoner’s corner
Exploring rural property issues and developments in the New Forest, Kerry’s Commoner’s Corner, is a new feature for rural news.…
A loophole giving residential tenants the right to enfranchise and buy
Many common law tenancies contain a little known or understood loophole that can cause a huge headache for Estate and…
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…
1948-2018: Happy 70th Birthday NHS
The nation’s best loved institution. 70 years is a long time to endure at a time in this nation’s history…
Tesco’s £4bn equal pay bill
Tesco is facing an £4 billion equal pay claim from thousands of female shop workers. If this claim is successful,…
Incentivising key employees
A modern employee incentive means more than just salary…
Reporting medical conditions to the DVLA
Research by insurers has revealed that many people think that reporting medical conditions to the DVLA is not necessary because…
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…
Are your employees making the most of shared parental leave?
Despite shared parental leave being introduced in 2015, only 2% of those couples eligible for the leave have chosen to…
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…
Are you ready for gender pay reporting?
While gender pay reporting currently only applies to organisations employing over 250 people, it’s advisable that any organisation employing over…
GDPR- are you ready?
As you will be aware by now, the GDPR comes into force in the UK on 25th May 2018. If…
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…
Long-term adult social care funding enquiry launched
An enquiry into the long term funding for adult social care is to be launched by MP’s ahead of the…
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:…
The rise of the autonomous vehicle… the long road ahead
When Leonardo De Vinci first sketched a rough blueprint for a self-propelled cart 500 years ago could he have imagined…
Employee dismissal – being aware matters
In a complex and ongoing case, the Court of Appeal reversed a ruling by the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) which…
How to make your IT outsourcing contracts work for you
For thousands of businesses across the UK, outsourcing IT provides greater value, a better return on investment and peace of…
Countdown to GDPR day – Top tips 1: Consent and the GDPR
Under the GDPR, consent needs to be “…freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous…” In other words, consent will only be…
Uber loses a battle but the war continues
In our previous update, we advised you that the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) had held that Uber’s drivers are to be…
Can the NHS recover its costs from an insurance company after a personal injury claim?
Compensation Payments:…
