KFC Franchise Ordered to Pay £66k for Race Discrimination in the Workplace
A KFC franchise has been ordered to pay £66k in a race discrimination case. Our case study explains what happened and the key takeaways for employers.
News & Insights
Read our latest articles, news briefs and legal updates across all our different services.
Resolving Separation: How Family Mediation Can Make a Difference
Family mediation offers a constructive, cost-effective way to resolve separation issues without going to court. Discover its benefits and how it works.
Wife to Receive £877k plus Maintenance in Divorce Settlement based on Financial Need
This case illustrates how the court may prioritise future housing and financial security over equal division of assets, particularly where wealth is tied up in business interests or developed after separation.
Navigating the Employment Rights Bill 2025: What Employers Need to Know
The Employment Rights Bill 2025 has now passed into law, receiving Royal Assent on 18 December 2025 and becoming the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA 2025”). Employers should start preparing now to ensure compliance.
Lidl Worker Unfairly Dismissed Over Pallet-Truck Breach, Tribunal Rules
A Lidl deputy store manager has won an employment tribunal after being unfairly dismissed for using a pallet truck without authorisation. The tribunal ruled that Lidl failed to follow a fair process and did not make reasonable adjustments for the claimant’s ADHD, breaching the Equality Act 2010.
High Court Awards Wife £3.4m Lump Sum and Family Home After 28-Year Marriage
A High Court judge has awarded a wife the family home and a £3.4m lump sum after a 28-year marriage, alongside a share of future private equity interests. The ruling highlights how courts handle complex financial arrangements in high net worth divorce cases.
Machins Solicitors Appoints Neil O’Callaghan as New Managing Partner
Machins Solicitors is pleased to announce the appointment of Neil O’Callaghan as Managing Partner. Neil succeeds Kathryn Ainsworth, who returns to lead the firm’s highly regarded Family Law department.
Why ‘Divorce Day’ Is a Myth: Understanding the Realities Behind January Divorce Headlines
Every year, the media proclaim the first working day of January as “Divorce Day,” suggesting a dramatic spike in marital breakups the moment solicitors reopen after the holidays. While the phrase makes for a catchy headline, it is a significant misnomer that oversimplifies both human behaviour and the actual workings of family-law practice. It is
How to Succeed as a Trainee Solicitor: My Top 5 Tips
Starting your Training Contract can feel daunting, with new departments and challenges every six months. This blog shares five practical tips to help trainee solicitors succeed, from mastering communication to building strong habits early on.
Responsibility and Accountability as a Trainee Solicitor
Discover what it’s really like to start your legal career at Machins. From early responsibility to expert guidance, this article shares how trainees build confidence and skills while meeting professional standards.