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The number of businesses facing critical levels of financial distress was 24% higher in the last quarter of 2011 than in same period in 2010. The statistics are contained in the Red Flag Alert compiled by Begbies Traynor. The Professional Services sector was the worst affected showing a rise of 61%. Travel and Tourism was
Break clauses are a good way for businesses to hedge their bets when moving into new premises. Taking on a long or medium term lease offers them stability if their business thrives, while the break clause gives them the option to pull out after a certain period if things don’t go as well as expected.
The Government is asking businesses to express their views and concerns about workplace dismissal rules. The move is part of the wide ranging Employment Law Review, which aims to assess the awareness, understanding and the use of the ACAS Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance. The Review will also look at the idea of
When commissioning creative work it’s important to establish in advance who owns the copyright. Failure to do so can lead to disputes and legal action, as shown in a recent case before the Patents County Court. It involved a video producer who asked a cameraman to shoot some video of a skydive over Mount Everest.
The national minimum wage for workers over the age of 21 is to increase by 11p to £6.19 an hour. That is a rise of 1.8%, which is lower than the rate of inflation but higher than the average increase in earnings, which rose by 1.4% in the year to January. The rate for 18
What protection is offered to Consumers at Home? The Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008 came into force in October 2008. The Regulations allow a mandatory cooling off period of 7 days within which the consumer may choose to cancel the sale. The contract itself must
At Machins Solicitors LLP we offer bespoke debt collection services to suit individual requirements. We have niches in a number of specialist debt collection areas including landlord’s service/management fees, consumer finance and business debts. What evidence of the debt do I need? Ideally you will have a written and signed contract. However you may have
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
Fact Sheet: Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 The Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 or TUPE Regulations have a major impact on businesses in this country by preserving the continuity of employment and employment terms of transferring employees. Sarah Liddiard of Machins company commercial department explains some practical implications on
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