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The number of firms going out of business reached its highest level for two years in the first quarter of 2012 as the economy hit a “period of stagnation”. Figures released by the financial services firm RSM Tenon showed that more than 400 companies became insolvent every week. This was a 5% increase on the
Businesses are being urged to make sure their websites comply with consumer protection law ahead of the Christmas period. The warning from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) comes after it carried out a review of 156 websites to check if any were in breach of the Distance Selling Regulations (DSRs). It found that 62
Pubs and clubs that open late can now be made to contribute to the cost of dealing with alcohol related crime and disorder, as part of a Government clampdown on irresponsible drinking. The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 gives local authorities more discretionary power to restrict the sale of alcohol. They will also
Three estate agents face prosecution for printing misleading information about the size of a garden in a property they were selling – even though they included various disclaimers. In the brochure they described the house as a “charming period, detached family house…set within superb gardens of approximately three-quarters of an acre”. The gardens were actually
A woman, Nicola Brooks, who, over a 9 month period, was harassed by internet “trolls” who accused her of being, amongst other things, a child abuser, a drug dealer, a stalker and a prostitute, recently won a ruling from the English Court that ordered Facebook, a Californian company, to disclose the names and addresses of
Q – I am going through a divorce with my wife and I earn more than her. Will I have to pay her maintenance? A – In every case we have to work through a checklist of factors. Two important points are the difference in earning abilities now and in the foreseeable future and
The Government has announced a series of employment law changes designed to reduce the burden on businesses while retaining reasonable protection for employees. Ministers are planning to reduce the compensation cap for unfair dismissal claims, reduce the number of vexatious claims and promote the use of settlement agreements. However, they have decided against introducing compensated
The directive is due to be implemented next year. Businesses from all the participating member states will then be under the same obligation to ensure that invoices are paid on time. The main points in the EU Directive are: Public authorities will be required to pay suppliers within 30 calendar days of receipt of an
The Government says it will reduce health and safety regulations to promote economic growth and protect businesses from ‘compensation culture’ claims. There are more than 6,500 regulations that the Government inherited through the Red Tape Challenge Process. They intend to scrap more than 3,000. One of the key changes involves health and safety inspections. Businesses
Tenancies are lasting longer and landlords are increasing their portfolios as the private rental sector continues to grow, according to the National Landlords Association. The research shows that 54% of tenancies are now lasting between two and three years, and 32% last longer than four years. It also showed that 10% of landlords had added