DFA Law 2014 Charity Walk
In an effort to shake of the winter/post-Christmas lethargy, a group of staff at DFA decided to walk, once a week normally on a Wednesday, at least 5km during the lunch break. To give an added incentive the partners at…
Commercial Tenants – Are You as Secure as You Think?
Most commercial tenants will know that they have a right to apply for new tenancies at the end their leases. However, many will be ignorant of the fact that their security of tenure can be undermined if their landlord plans…
Important limitation on historical holiday claims
On 18th December 2014, the government introduced regulations designed to limit the impact of the Bear Scotland decision on businesses. The Deduction from Wages (Limitation) Regulations 2014 came into force on 8th January 2015. This creates a two-year "backstop" period…
Policies and Procedures Review
As policies and procedures periodically require updating to ensure compliance with all changes to the law, we are offering a free review service for employment contracts and staff handbooks, in order to offer you the peace of mind that your…
DWP Publishes Guidance on the ‘Fit for Work’ Sickness Absence Service
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published guidance for employers and employees on the new 'Fit for Work' service, previously called the Health and Work Service, which is being rolled out over the coming months. Under the new…
Shared Parental Leave and Pay
Under the new Shared Parental Leave arrangements, eligible parents of children due to be born or adopted on or after 5 April 2015 have more flexibility as to how they take time off work to care for their child. Mothers…
Medical Professionals and Conscientious Objection
Two devoutly Roman Catholic midwives who refused to take even supervisory roles in the termination of pregnancies have failed to convince the Supreme Court that their NHS employer trampled on their right to conscientiously object. The women pointed to the…
Broad Brush Needed in Family IP Dispute
Disagreements between family members are often bitter, and this can lead to time, effort and expense being incurred which is disproportionate to the importance of the dispute when it concerns a family business, as a recent case illustrates. Two brothers…
Career Lost Demands More Equal Treatment in Divorce
Big money divorce cases get into the news for a whole variety of reasons, but an allegation of sex discrimination is seldom one of them. However, this was one of the issues raised in a divorce case involving a high-flying…
Tempted To Buy Property Without a Survey? Think Again!
In a warning to house buyers that it is wise to obtain a full survey before committing yourself, a couple who contracted to pay £3.6 million for a country house – but later pulled out of the deal when evidence…