Frances O’Grady, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, recently described work-related stress as “a growing epidemic”. Why? Because according to statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive...
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) recommends that all solicitors display a digital verification badge on their website. This badge shows online visitors that we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation...
Government Consultation to extend Maternity Rights The Government has launched a consultation following the report of the Women and Equalities Select Committee in 2016 and the Taylor Review of Modern...
Please note that from 1 April 2019, the practice of the partnership of Crane & Staples will be carried on as a Limited Liability Partnership (“LLP”), to which the partnership...
New law requires landlords to ensure homes “fit for human habitation” The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (“the Act”) becomes law on 20th March 2019 and requires...
The Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) has upheld an earlier ruling by the Central London Employment Tribunal that three Addison Lee drivers are “workers” rather than self-employed contractors. The EAT agreed with...
The High Court recently found Morrisons to be vicariously liable for the actions of their rogue employee. Do you have cybercrime insurance in place if the worst should happen? Last...
Veganism is rising significantly, but how can this affect employers? A current case could be a landmark ruling in what constitutes a philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010. Statistics...
If you have a dispute which is making you want to rush off to issue court proceedings, take a few minutes to consider what will be better in the long...
We are nearing the end of an exciting year for Crane & Staples, as we wrap up our eightieth birthday celebrations and prepare for the festive season. In November, we...
The Law Commission has proposed a number of changes for leaseholders who wish to purchase the freehold interest of their property or extend their leases. The reforms are under consultation...
We are delighted to announce that our Commercial and Property teams have been listed in the prestigious Legal 500 guide for the first time ever, and on first application. The...
Last Thursday, members of the legal profession across Hertfordshire gathered at The Peahen in St. Albans to network over drinks and enjoy a festive buffet. It was the first...
I had the privilege of attending the Hertfordshire High Sheriff’s Justice Service on 18 November, representing the Hertfordshire Law Society as its President (I’m front row, third from the right)....
At a time when some large retailers are announcing collective redundancies employers need to consider their obligations or face paying compensation in the form of a “Protective Award.” Are you...
Single claims have risen by 165% year on year, and the number of claimants with legal representation decreasing, employers are facing more responsibility and cost for Tribunals. Recent statistics published...
CIPD research has found that less than one in three organisations train line managers to support staff who have poor mental health. They have collaborated with MIND to publish a...
With GDPR, the focus of businesses is always upon malicious outsiders seeking to cause damage. However, what about malicious insiders? Or merely naïve employees who don’t understand the harm in...
All employers, at some point, will have received a reference from other businesses asking them to provide a reference on former employees. Do you have to respond and, if you...
Dress Codes Last month the government Equalities Office published “Guidance on dress codes and sex discrimination, a guide for employers”. It is intended for employers who issue dress codes and...
This week the Supreme Court heard the final appeal in the long running case of Pimlico Plumbers Limited and Mullins –v- Smith. It has attracted much comment in the main...
It is a standing joke that every employment law blog should, at some point, carry an article on two particular topics. One, usually to be published annually in late November...
Making lasting powers of attorney makes good sense and are extremely useful. They enable you to appoint those you trust to make decisions regarding your care and finances when you...
When an individual moves into a care home it can be a very stressful time for both the individual and his or her family members. Not only will there be...
Under the new inheritance tax rules, families may find that no inheritance tax will be payable on their estate. Does your Will take the new legislation into account? In...
From 6 April 2018 all payments paid to an employee in lieu of notice as earnings will be subject to income tax and Class 1 national insurance contributions. Are there...
Things are hotting up again in Employment Law. Since the turn of the year, we have noticed an increase in the number of claims being brought by employees against their...
Pimlico Plumbers Ltd and another v Smith is the latest case seeking to clarify the employment status of those working in the so-called “gig” economy. Why does the distinction matter?...
7 Top Tips for Creditors to avoid debtors delaying payment by around 74 days due to The Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims” (PAPDC) The aim of the PAPDC is to...
Our January article discussed “Three things you need to know for the GDPR”. The regulations come into force on 25th May 2018. Now we will provide a brief overview of...