When a dispute arises in relation to unpaid invoices people often try to manage the situation themselves instead of seeking legal advice as they are concerned about being charged extortionate fees for a relatively small debt. Although the small claims track in the county court is relatively ‘user friendly’, an incorrect claim form can lead
The economic downturn has obliged many businesses to make some of their employees redundant. Firms that find themselves in this position need to take great care to ensure the correct procedures are followed. Failure to do so could result in a successful unfair dismissal claim, as a recent case illustrates. It involved a woman who
An insurance company has been awarded damages and granted an injunction against a group of employees who left to set up a rival business. The court found that the group had committed numerous breaches of their employment contracts and fiduciary duty. They enticed others to resign and also used confidential company information while still employees.
The Health and Safety Executive has revised its guidance for employers with staff who work from home. The new guidance relaxes some of the regulatory requirements and recognises that a lot of work carried out at home is going to be “low-risk, office-type work”. In these circumstances, as an employer, you are only responsible for
Late payment of invoices has become so serious that the Government has set up a working group to help tackle the problem. Ministers also want businesses to sign up to its Prompt Payment Code, which already represents about 60% of the supply chain value in the UK. The Code is designed to encourage best practice and
Timing can be crucial when taking legal action, as one company recently found to its cost. The company had hired a firm of builders to carry out some roofing and cladding works at a new factory. A contract was agreed which stated that in the event of a dispute, no action could be taken after
The Government says it’s ahead of schedule in identifying publicly owned land that can be used to build new homes. Housing Minister Grant Shapps recently announced that he wants local authorities and Government departments to release enough land for 100,000 homes by 2015. He said the Government had already found enough land for 80,000 homes
Business leaders have criticised the Government’s much publicised moratorium on employment law saying that it has done virtually nothing to reduce the regulatory burden. The moratorium was introduced last April. The aim was to exempt start-up businesses and firms with fewer than 10 employees from new regulations for three years. The Institute of Directors say
The Government has joined forces with private enterprise to encourage budding entrepreneurs to set up new businesses. The ‘Business in You’ campaign highlights the support available for people wishing to start a new business or develop an existing one. A statement from the Department for Business Innovation & Skills says: “Small businesses are the lifeblood
Court orders to evict tenants rose by 11% in 2011 as landlords took a firmer stance against late payers. Figures released by the specialist receivers, Templeton LPA, also show that the number of tenants in “severe arrears” of more than two months rose by 18% last year to 78,970. That’s the highest level since the