MacDonald Oates LLP are delighted to announce that our Tim Melville-Walker, head of our family department, has been appointed a Deputy District Judge in the latest round of judicial appointments. A Deputy District Judge deals with ...
We take a look at the current protection for workers under the whistleblowing protection The Employment Rights Act prohibits dismissal or detrimental treatment because a worker has raised a protected and qualified disclosure. In order ...
There are many reasons you might need access to your neighbour’s land to repair or maintain your property and it can be difficult to know what to do if your request for access is refused. The general rule is that to go onto someone ...
News for the New Year MacDonald Oates LLP has undergone an extensive recruitment campaign with 7 new fee earners joining the firm over the past few months and with further recruitment planned to continue into the New Year. This drive ...
In this recent case, Lamb v The Garrard Academy UKEAT/0042/18 , it highlights the complex area of disability discrimination and the knowledge of the employer. Employers should seek medical advice for those employees on long term ...
We are proud to have sponsored the first ‘Glow Ride’ in Denmead. It was held on Friday 28th December in Denmead to highlight the need for us to be seen on our bikes in the dark and was organised by Terri Bryant of Body ...
It is the season when some businesses are planning their office Christmas party and a time for employers and employees to relax and enjoy themselves. However, responsible employers will have to give some consideration to their ...
When an employee is absent through illness, one thing that can be forgotten is the right to holiday. Firstly, a worker accrues holiday even whilst absent through illness. This is especially important to remember if a worker is absent ...
Addison Lee Ltd v Lange and ors is the latest case looking at status, which is whether someone is self-employed, a worker or an employee. Background Addison Lee Limited is a professional private hire firm, using about 4,000 drivers to ...
What is probate and when would I need it? When somebody dies, sometimes it is necessary for you to apply for a grant of representation to be able to deal with the deceased’s assets – this is known as applying for probate. Whether ...
When advising small to medium size businesses, it is common for such businesses not to realise how much employment legislation is based around the appropriate procedure having taken place. It is not just the reason why you do ...
When making your will you need to appoint at least one executor who will be responsible for the important task of dealing with your estate on your death. Deciding who to appoint is one of the most important decisions you will ever ...
The recent case of Bermondsey Exchange Freeholders Ltd v Koumetto (unreported) in the Central London County Court serves as a useful reminder of the potential risks of certain leasehold properties being listed on Airbnb and other ...
Treating someone less favourably because of their disability is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010. Under the Equality Act “discrimination arising from disability” occurs where both: A treats B unfavourably because of ...
You may have seen in the press recently that Aretha Franklin died without leaving a Will. One can only speculate as to the problems this may cause for those she leaves behind as they seek to distribute her estate, estimated to be in ...
Under the Equality Act it is unlawful to discriminate, harass or victimise workers or job applicants on the grounds of their religion, religious belief or philosophical belief. “Religion or belief” is a protected ...
Our Starter Pack is ideal if you are employing your first employee or you want to update your contracts of employment. The pack gives you the basic HR and legal documentation you will need for employing your first employee and all at a ...
Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing, invasive plant that spreads easily and requires careful management to control. The root of the plant can cause significant property damage if it takes hold and can be difficult to eradicate. If ...
In 2017 new rules were introduced to allow home owners to a claim an additional allowance to reduce their Inheritance Tax (or IHT) liability. This news came as a welcome relief to many homeowners wishing to pass their most prized ...
Further to our articles earlier this year, it is interesting that due to campaigns such as the #Me Too campaign, sexual harassment is still getting media attention. Recently there have been parliamentary debates where those in the ...
Following our update for 2018, we now take a look at the The Pimlico Plumber case which has now been heard by the Supreme Court. In this case Mr Smith was a gas electrician carrying out work solely for Pimlico Plumbers from August ...
You will recall in January we highlighted how employers needed to get ready for changes to data protection law that comes into force on 25th May 2018. We have already, in our previous update, provided you with some helpful links and ...