News Feed

Investigation into illegal cartels in the construction industry continues…

This week an update to the administration timetable was published, as the Competition & Markets Authority’s investigation into illegal cartels in the construction industry continues.

Leathes Prior advise on the sale of the Greensleeves Group

eathes Prior is pleased to have acted for the shareholders of the Greensleeves Group, David and Laura Truby, on the sale of the Group to Neighbourly Brands Limited (“Neighbourly UK”).

The importance of accuracy when following the JCT termination notices

The Court reminds us of the importance of accuracy when following the JCT termination notices: Thomas Barnes & Sons Plc (in Administration) v Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Autumn Statement 2022

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has sought to provide assurances for businesses and individuals across the UK with the Autumn Statement 2022. Sam Poulter looks into the new statement here:

Leathes Prior advise shareholders of Tiger Eye Consulting Limited on sale to CTS Group

Leathes Prior is delighted to have advised shareholders, Dave and Julie Wilson, on the sale of leading iManage Partner, Tiger Eye Consulting Limited (“Tiger Eye”) to private equity-backed CTS Group (“CTS”).

What can employers do to help their employees in the current cost of living crisis?

On the back of yesterday’s largest interest rate rise in decades, and the Bank of England warning the country could face it’s longest recession since records began we look at what steps can be taken by employers to help their employees.

Will the government make a U-turn on the abolishment of ‘no-fault’ evictions?

The landmark development in landlord and tenant law was due to see the abolishment of ‘no-fault’ evictions, therefore requiring landlords to establish a reason to evict their tenant. However, the government’s stance appears to be uncertain after reports suggest the reform is not a priority and may be axed altogether.

Right to work checks have changed: here’s what you need to know

Now that the temporary arrangements for right to work checks have ended, the priority for employers who have benefited from using these arrangements will be to conduct retrospective checks as soon as possible, and by no later than 26 November 2022.

Leathes Prior delighted to act in Norwich City Football Club transaction

Leathes Prior were delighted to act for Michael Foulger and others in the recently completed transaction which has seen Mark Attanasio become a shareholder and director at Norwich City Football Club.

What are the proposed changes to IR35 and how can you prepare for them?

The government, as part of the controversial ‘mini-budget’ last week, announced to some surprise that it intends to repeal the 2017 and 2021 legislative reforms to IR35, also known as the off-payroll working reforms, from 6 April 2023.

Leathes Prior winners of five categories in the prestigious Legal 500 Future Lawyers survey

Leathes Prior is delighted to announce that the prestigious Legal 500 Future Lawyers survey has awarded the firm a winners badge in five categories with two being a national top spot: ‘vacation schemes’ and ‘social life’.

The Mini-budget - SDLT Changes

From today (23/09/2022) the rates in which Stamp Duty Land tax (SDLT) will be charged on property transactions in the UK have been changed to reduce the amount of SLDT payable on the majority of transactions.

Leathes Prior excited to welcome four new Trainee Solicitors to the firm

Leathes Prior is delighted to welcome four new Trainee Solicitors to the firm: Anna Jordan, Milan Pandit, Kate Wheeler, and Kimberley Holden.

Leathes Prior congratulates James Walker as he qualifies into the firm’s Wills, Trusts and Probate Team

Leathes Prior is delighted to announce that James Walker has been admitted to the roll of solicitors and has accepted the offer to stay at the firm post-qualification in our Wills, Trusts, and Probate Team.

GDPR: Is the Scope of Special Category Data Widening?

Personal data is any information that can identify someone (i.e. name, email address, address). On Monday 1 August 2022, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) confirmed that the disclosure of personal data that has the potential to indirectly give away the sexual orientation of a person constitutes processing of special categories of personal data for the purpose of EU GDPR.

Leathes Prior act on disposal of Pellcomp Software to the Advanced Group

We are pleased to announce that Richard Guthrie and Nina Ryan of Leathes Prior’s Corporate & Commercial Team have acted for Martin Robson and Tim Davies on the sale of Norwich-based Pellcomp Software to Advanced Software and Solutions

Commercial Considerations for Using Blockchain in Trade Finance

Blockchains are shared, unchangeable electronic ledgers that facilitate the process of securely recording transactions and tracking assets in a network. Amongst other things, blockchains bundle digital records into blocks and these blocks are added to the end of a chain of blocks in chronological order. Blockchains are a form of distributed ledger technology.

Collateral Warranties still attract right to adjudicate

Yesterday (21/06/2022) the Court of Appeal handed down an important judgment which will be of interest to the construction industry generally and to those giving and receiving collateral warranties.

Renters Reform Bill - A halt to ‘no-fault’ evictions

The government has published a White Paper setting out a number of reforms to the private rental sector including the abolishment of ‘no-fault evictions’ – a landmark development in the world of landlord and tenant law.

Recovering training and other costs after employment ends – what’s the position?

Employers often pay for their employees to attend work-related training, or cover the cost of other fees incurred in connection with employment. Nick Price looks into what exactly can be recovered and how.

Obtaining a UK visa as an international sportsperson

This is the second article in our series on immigration routes for talented individuals in the creative and sporting industries.

Obtaining a UK visa as an amateur or professional artist

This article is the first in a series of two on possible immigration routes to the UK for creatives and sportspeople. It shall explore the different options and practical considerations to be aware of.

Leathes Prior delighted to announce the promotion of eight key members of staff

Leathes Prior is thrilled to announce the promotion of eight key members of staff: Lucy Chambers, Lily Beel, Bethany Slaughter, Chris Goodwin, Patrick Gibney, Kelly Stannard, Jack Horwitz and Georgia Short.

Ban on new ground rents – a welcome result for leaseholders

On 8 February 2022, the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 (“the Act”) received Royal Assent with the government announcing the intention to prohibit future ground rents of more than a peppercorn being charged within new long leases, subject to certain exceptions.

De Vrij Wins Lawsuit Against Former Agent

“My advice to other players, rely upon independent sports lawyers who only work for you”

Working Safely at Leathes Prior

We would like to provide reassurance that the firm continues to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of both our clients and our people. We have measures in place to ensure we continue to work safely to stop the spread of respiratory infection, following the government guidance published on 1 April 2022.

Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Infections Including Covid-19 in the Workplace

Living with Covid for employers now means they must make decisions. By moving from strict rules of "must" and "should", to guidance of "may" and "try", the approach taken in the workplace has now firmly been passed to individual employers to determine.

Automatic renewal and consumer rights – how can businesses comply?

The use of a subscription model to sell to consumers has become increasingly popular over the years. Jack Horwitz and Olivia Sherman's latest article looks into this model and what the CMA has recommended as good practise.

Spring Statement 2022

The 2022 Spring Statement came against a challenging backdrop for the Chancellor. Given the forecasts, Rishi Sunak looked to provide some positive news for business and individuals alike. Sam Poulter looks at the Spring Statement here:

LP delighted to announce Sam Poulter has qualified with the firm

Leathes Prior is delighted to announce that Sam Poulter has been admitted to the roll of solicitors and has accepted the offer to stay at the firm post-qualification.

How do I hire an employee from overseas?

Recruiting skilled employees from outside of the UK to come and work in your business can seem a complicated and daunting process - But what is this process? And how can you get things right?

Do we need a Farming Partnership Agreement?

Most family farms operate as traditional partnerships. Yet many do not have a written partnership agreement. Richard Guthrie explains why it is important to have an agreement in place.

No-Fault Divorce - What Is Changing?

6 April 2022 signals the dawn of a new era in family law with the introduction of the concept of “no-fault divorce” as the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 marks the biggest reform of divorce law seen in the last 50 years.

Singing in the witness box – Sheeran defends copyright claim in song

Earlier this afternoon (08 March 2022) Ed Sheeran swapped the Pyramid Stage for the witness stand as he gave evidence for a second day in a copyright trial over a riff in his single Shape Of You.

What’s the best way to sell my business?

Selling your business can be long, complex and stressful, especially if your business isn’t ready for the legal process. Richard Guthrie gives us some useful tips in his latest article.

Update to government plans regarding the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

HMRC confirmed today (23 February 2022) that the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme will end on 17 March 2022. In light of the swiftly approaching deadline, employers will be best placed to submit claims sooner rather than later.

Health and Care Worker visa category finally expanded

The promised expansion of the Health and Care Worker visa category has arrived!

What does the end of Covid-19 restrictions mean for employers?

The government’s document titled “Covid-19 Response: Living with Covid-19” sets out a roadmap for the coming weeks. Dan Chapman has set out the key provisions for employers to be aware of in his latest article.

The importance of AST costs clauses

Joseph Thompson looks into the importance of including AST cost clauses in a tenancy agreement, as shown by a recent landlord/tenant matter represented by Sabina Hagg in our Property Dispute Team.

UPDATE ON JAPANESE KNOTWEED

New guidance on surveyor’s approach to Japanese Knotweed has been released by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors which to come into effect in March 2022.

Mandatory vaccination for NHS workers to be scrapped

The government plans to revoke its decision to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for healthcare workers in England after warnings that the already-stretched NHS could face serious safe shortages.

Land Registry Fees Increase

As of 31 January 2022, the Land Registry application fees will be increasing for the first time since 2009.

Four things to watch out for in commercial law in 2022

Alex Saunders and Olivia Sherman look into the key areas to watch out for in 2022 - these include digital assets, smart contracts and the Metaverse. An interesting year ahead in the world of commercial law!

Health and Care visa route expanded to include Care Staff

It has been well known for some time that the social care sector is suffering from a recruitment crisis - from the 15 February the Health and Care visa route is being expanded.

Return to the office begins as restrictions relaxed – what does this mean for you?

On 19 January 2022, the government announced that it will no longer be asking employees to work from home. It will now be up to employers to decide whether to ask their employees to return to the office. What does this mean for you?

Attorneys / Deputies - Do you know your limitations?

The role of an Attorney or Deputy involves a great deal of power and responsibility. But do you understand your limitations?

Leathes Prior delighted to announce that Lewis Kelly has qualified with the firm

Leathes Prior is delighted to announce that Lewis Kelly has accepted our offer to stay on at the firm post qualification.

Just go with the flow - daily testing announced for 100,000 key workers

Boris Johnson announced that approximately 100,000 workers in key industries will be told to take lateral flow tests on every working day in an effort to reduce the impact of the virus on staffing.

Chancellor announces new £1 billion for businesses impacted by Omicron

Today (21 December) Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out new measures to be put in place to provide additional support to businesses over the festive period.

Leathes Prior delighted to act for Kieran McKenna and Martyn Pert in their move to Ipswich Town Football Club

Dan Chapman, head of the Leathes Prior Employment and Sports team, represented McKenna and Pert who have arrived at Portman Road to take up management roles.

Changes to the Statutory Sick Pay Regulations as a result of COVID-19

On 17 December 2021 the Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Regulations came into force to modify the rules for employees providing medical evidence in relation to sickness absence.

Plan B – what are the implications for businesses?

As most businesses will by now be aware, yesterday evening Boris Johnson announced that the spread of the Omicron variant had reached such a level that the Government now considered it ‘proportionate and responsible’ to introduce new preventative measures, known as ‘Plan B’.

Be Careful What You Agree

The Technology and Construction Court has recently reaffirmed the position that employer and contractor may be bound by verbal agreements reached during the course of a construction project.

2021 AUTUMN BUDGET: THE KEY POINTS

Nick Price and Gemma Hughes outline the key takeaways from this year’s Autumn Budget in our latest article.

Influencers, giveaways and the vital importance of T&Cs;

After a number of recent controversies with social media influencers failing to comply with advertising standards relating to giveaways and competitions, it is time for influencers to think more carefully about how they comply with the relevant rules when offering these competitions.

Medical exemption guidance now published

The Government has now confirmed how people working or deployed in care homes can apply for proof that they are medically exempt from vaccination. Importantly however, the procedure outlined in the exemptions guidance is not limited to care home workers, it also applies to anyone who is unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons.

HGV Drivers & Poultry Workers – New Scheme Launched

The government have now told us on Monday 11 October 2021 how the emergency temporary worker scheme will work.

Twitch Data Breach: UK GDPR and the cost of human error

This week, the livestreaming site Twitch, which is owned by Amazon, announced that a “server configuration change” led to approximately 135GB of data being posted online.

HGV Drivers – The Saga continues

On Saturday 2 October, the Government changed the rules yet again to allow tanker drivers to come to the UK immediately if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

Statutory Demands and Winding-Up Petitions are back

COVID related protections for debtors coming to an end (mostly) from 1 October 2021.

HGV Drivers – Too little? Too Late?

On 25 September 2021 the Government announced the proposed introduction for short term working visas for HGV drivers

Government tips at changes in the law for hospitality and leisure workers

Around five years after the Government closed a consultation into tipping and service charges in the hospitality and industries, a decision has been made to introduce legislation to prevent employers taking tips received by staff.

Leathes Prior Lex 100 winners in an incredible six categories

We are absolutely delighted and extremely proud that, during a year of facing the challenges of a global pandemic, the firm has managed to retain that unique, outgoing culture that continues to set us apart from other firms in the UK

Data protection reforms: The end of GDPR?

With the UK no longer being bound by EU law, there is now some scope for the UK’s data protection regime to diverge from the EU’s.

Leathes Prior welcomes three new Trainee Solicitors to the firm

Leathes Prior is delighted to welcome three new Trainee Solicitors to the firm - Hannah Griffin, Joseph Thompson and Olivia Leeper.

Further changes to the rules on employing sportspersons from overseas

The UK Government has recently announced further changes to the rules on business immigration which will be relevant to those organisations looking to employ international sportspersons in the near future.

Leathes Prior delighted to announce that all three Trainee Solicitors qualify at the firm

Leathes Prior is delighted to announce that the full 2019 cohort of trainees have been admitted to the roll of solicitors. Well done Ellie Davies, Nick Price and Matthew Hodgson.

Leathes Prior welcomes Employment Lawyer, James Conley to the firm

James specialises in providing expert advice to businesses and individuals across the UK on all areas of employment law.

Leathes Prior acts as Alex Albon returns to the Formula One grid

We are delighted to announce that Head of Sport, Dan Chapman, was involved as the lawyer in the contractual negotiations that saw client Alex Albon today announced as a Williams F1 driver for the forthcoming 2022 season.

Unskilled Workers – The impact of Brexit

Many sectors are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit unskilled workers as they no longer have the option of recruiting from the European Economic Area (apart from the Republic of Ireland) following the UK’s departure from the European Union on 1 January 2021.

Who’s crying over spilled [alternative milk product]?

A Cambridgeshire based family farm, Glebe Farm Foods (Glebe Farm), has successfully seen off a claim for trademark infringement and passing off, brought by the oat milk giant, Oatly.

Leathes Prior assist shareholders of Rent4sure in sale to PIB Group

We are very pleased to announce that Leathes Prior have acted for the shareholders of Rent4sure Ltd (“Rent4sure”) on the sale of Rent4sure to PIB Group Ltd (“PIB”), as part of the Barbon Insurance Group.

Probate fees: an update

Under new proposals published last week, the Government is seeking to increase the fees payable for applying for a Grant of Representation (often called a Grant of Probate).

Working remotely abroad beyond COVID-19: is it viable?

Though many employers have been willing to accommodate such a temporary arrangement, is it viable for employers and employees to agree to homeworking from abroad on a permanent basis, particularly once the government guidance to work from home has been removed?

Lease renewals: are pandemic clauses fair and reasonable?

After the recent County Court case of Poundland Limited v Toplain Limited, we anticipate tenants will increasingly try to include pandemic clauses when negotiating lease renewals.

Developers beware: the new Building Safety Bill

The Government has today introduced the new Building Safety Bill into Parliament. Although only in its first stages, and therefore not yet law, it's expected to introduce some of the biggest changes to the regulation of building safety in a generation.

Acting as an Attorney or Deputy during COVID-19

Being an Attorney or a Deputy on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity to make decisions has never been an easy task. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorneys and Deputies have faced unprecedented complications; which can vary from problems seeing the individuals in question, to being appointed in the first place.

Jabbing away: what’s next for mandatory vaccination policies?

The government have confirmed that COVID-19 vaccinations will be a mandatory requirement for those who work in care homes in England.

Leathes Prior act on disposal of Thornton’s Budgens Belsize Park to the Kavanagh Group

We are pleased to announce that Leathes Prior have acted for Andrew Thornton on the sale of Thornton’s Budgens to The Kavanagh Group.

Breaking News: Commercial Evictions banned until 25 March 2022

The Government has today announced another extension to the commercial eviction ban.

Steps to take when a loved one passes away

The death of a loved one is a devastating and emotional event in life, which is often made more difficult by the administrative tasks that must be done immediately after their passing. To help you through this, we have compiled a simple guide explaining the different stages in the estate administration process.

What do the upcoming Stamp Duty changes mean for my purchase?

Whilst the stamp duty rates will change as of 1st July, you will still be able to take advantage of the savings if you are looking to move home or purchase an investment property after the 1st July.

Leathes Prior welcomes construction lawyer John Fawcett to the firm

John is joining as a Senior Associate in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team, specialising in the construction and engineering sectors.

What is an easement and what should you avoid as a developer?

Easements can play a critical role in a successful development. Where a proposed development site does not directly adjoin the public highway, developers will need to rely on access and services being provided via land in third party ownership.

Forfeiture: when is it safe to accept or demand rent?

The recent Court of Appeal decision Faiz v Burnley BC [2021] EWCA Civ 55 has provided further clarification on what rent can be accepted and when waiver will occur. See the full details here:

Leathes Prior Partner Sarah Appleton appointed as the firm’s Training Principal

As Training Principal, Sarah will hold the overall responsibility for the recruitment, training and development of the Trainee Solicitors at Leathes Prior.

Calling all Landlords, Part Two!

Landlords need to be aware of two new updates regarding 'Right to Rent Checks' and 'The Debt Respite Scheme'. See them here.

Colin v Cuthbert: the battle of the caterpillar cakes

Last week, Marks and Spencer (M&S) lodged a High Court claim against Aldi. M&S claims that Aldi has breached its intellectual property rights by launching its own caterpillar shaped chocolate cake, called Cuthbert.

Leathes Prior’s Senior Partner William Riley announces retirement

Leathes Prior’s Senior Partner, William Reginald Conduit Riley is set to retire after 48 years of service at the firm.

Leathes Prior welcomes Howard Catherall as Partner and Head of Regulatory & Criminal Defence

Leathes Prior is delighted to announce that Howard Catherall has joined the firm as Partner and new Head of Regulatory and Criminal Defence as Tim Cary is set to retire after 38 years at the firm.

Skilled Worker Visa - No More Resident Labour Market Test

All approved Sponsors now have to do is check that the job is eligible for this visa and that they are prepared to pay the minimum salary or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work the proposed employee will be doing - whichever is higher.

Employment Law Changes - April 2021

As is the case every year, there are a number of key changes which come into force at the start of April including a change in the National Minimum Wage.

Sleeping on the job? It doesn’t pay…

Whilst the obvious application of this ruling is for those involved in care work, this decision will also have ramifications for other industries which commonly engage staff for “sleep-in” shifts.

Calling all residential landlords: EICR needed by 1 April

From 1 April 2021 all private landlords in England must comply with electrical safety standards.

Forfeiture and tenant evictions: the saga continues

Last week the government announced another extension to the ban on forfeiture for non-payment of rent and bailiff enforced residential evictions.

Leathes Prior welcomes commercial property and agricultural lawyer Julia Routledge

Leathes Prior is delighted to welcome Julia Routledge to the firm’s Commercial Property Team.

Leathes Prior Offer Free Compulsory Risk Assessment Templates

As we did following Lockdown 1.0 Leathes Prior will again be providing free of charge template Risk Assessments to help our clients and prospective clients re-open and work safely.

The Budget: Inheritance Tax Allowance frozen at £325,000 until 2026.

We have seen media outcry over Rishi Sunak’s “stealth tax” on the middle class as the personal allowance and income tax thresholds are frozen until 2026. But this is nothing new.

The Budget: further boost to the housing market with stamp duty holiday extended and 5% mortgages for first time buyers

Chancellor, Rishi Sunak has said “We will do whatever it takes to help…”

Furlough leave set to last until 30 September 2021

Nearly one year after the Government’s original announcement introducing the concept of furlough leave, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”) has once again been extended.

Categories