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No more self-isolation if you are double jabbed

As of 16 August 2021, those who have had both of their jabs will not be required to self-isolate if a close contact tests positive for COVID-19.

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.

How is the Furlough Scheme changing on the 1st July 2021

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”), or Furlough Leave as it is more commonly known, has been a lifeline for many employers since its introduction in spring 2020.

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.

Doctor doctor! I’ve been defamed!

Dr Jessen’s actions stand as a cautionary tale for defendants in all kinds of claims not to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to ongoing proceedings.

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.

Leathes Prior welcomes Risk & Compliance Manager; Adrian Baker

Leathes Prior is delighted to welcome Adrian Baker to the firm.

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.

Brexit – Going on tour to Europe? The end of performances in Europe by British artists?

Anyone seeking to work and be paid for their work in the entertainment sector must comply with the individual laws of each country in which they intend to perform.

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.

Leathes Prior announce six key promotions at the firm

Leathes Prior is delighted to announce the promotion of six key members of staff, Simon Willis, Stephen Wilson, Alex Saunders, Nina Ryan, Calum Paterson and Charlotte Sheehy.

The end of the road for Uber (in the UK at least)?

In a long awaited Judgment of the Supreme Court, following a lengthy legal battle on the employment status of Uber drivers, the Supreme Court has confirmed that Uber drivers are workers, and are therefore entitled to employment rights including holiday pay and the national minimum wage, amongst other things.

Preparing your Terms and Conditions for the UK’s Holiday Boom

With the announcement that British residents who travel abroad will need to quarantine on their return to UK, and the continued uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, the UK’s leisure and tourism industry is seeing a big increase in demand for holiday bookings.

Tim Cary to retire after 38 years at the firm as Howard Catherall joins as Partner and Head of Regulatory & Criminal Defence

Tim Cary, Partner and Head of Regulatory and Criminal Defence at Leathes Prior, is set to retire as a partner on 30 April 2021.

“You’ve got mail!” Duchess of Sussex v Associated Newspapers Limited

Yesterday (11/02/21) the High Court ruled in favour of HRH the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle in her claim for misuse of private information and copyright infringement. See the full details here.

Want to take a break? – Commercial break clauses and how to exercise them

Break clauses are often found in commercial leases and allow a party to bring the lease to an end early.

Diversity training - is yours stale?

See the latest decision coming from the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) that highlights the importance of employers continuing to organise regular and effective anti-harassment, equality and diversity training for staff.

Protecting your digital assets in your Will: From Twitter to Bitcoin and beyond…

In a recent survey commissioned by the Law Society, it was established that 93% of those who have a Will have not included any digital assets.

Leathes Prior act on acquisition of multi-award winning publication, The New European, from Archant

Alex Saunders and Jack Horwitz advised TNE on the corporate aspects of the transaction.

Restrictions on evictions, is the end near?

Last year, we saw unprecedented protection for commercial tenants. For the first time landlords were (and still are) unable to recover commercial premises due to rent arrears.

Latest HM Treasury Direction provides further update on Furlough Leave

The Treasury has recently confirmed in a new Treasury Direction the rules that are to apply under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”) for the period of 1 February 2021 – 30 April 2021.

Dan Chapman successfully represents Louis Foster on his Appeal before the Motor Sport Council’s National Court.

Dan Chapman, head of Leathes Prior’s Sports Team, has successfully represented the racing driver Louis Foster on his Appeal before the Motor Sport Council’s National Court.

Hoteliers, Pub and Bar operators in England - Don’t lose your Premises Licence during lockdown

The current lockdown continues to cause major problems for the hospitality sector.

Making a Will during Lockdown 3.0

Here at Leathes Prior, we continue to be flexible to accommodate our clients’ specific needs.

Residential evictions: A further update

The “winter truce” on evictions was due to end on Monday 11 January 2021, at which point landlords would have been permitted to re-start the eviction process and instruct bailiffs to attend their properties. This date has been extended again.

Insurers to pay out on claims by small business owners for Covid-19 lockdown losses

Following the latest landmark judgment of the Supreme Court, business owners should be reviewing their insurance provisions.

Could employers require its employees take the Covid-19 vaccine?!

There is never a dull moment in the world of employment law these days but this one was always coming….

Temporary Agricultural Workers – Life after Brexit

Employers in what the government terms “the edible horticultures sector” are now able to source workers for seasonal work for up to 6 months through an approved operator scheme.

The End of Free Movement – An ongoing Saga?

The government continues to tie up the loose ends so that most citizens of the European Union will be treated no differently to the vast majority of non-British citizens when it comes to moving to the UK

2021 Employment Law: Brexit and much more

Now that the dust has settled on 2020, Dan Chapman looks ahead to 2021 and what it may have in store for businesses and individuals alike in the world of employment law.

Housing secretary announces significant reform

The Housing Secretary has announced a significant reform to the current law governing leasehold properties, with a new right for millions of leaseholders to extend their leases by a maximum term of 990 years at zero ground rent.

Data protection after Brexit – Key implications of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement

Jack Horwitz discusses the key points in relation to data protection that businesses should take away from the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Lockdown 3 - You can still move home

Despite the announcement of lockdown 3, the Government guidance has confirmed that you can still move home.

Leathes Prior announce three-year extension to Swardeston CC sponsorship

Leathes Prior are delighted to announce that a deal has been agreed to extend the sponsorship of Swardeston Cricket Club for a further three years.

Furlough extended … again!

In an unexpected announcement the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until 30 April 2021.

Leathes Prior advise on merger of Stellar Global Ltd and Mash Staffing Holdings Limited

Alex Saunders and Jack Horwitz advised the shareholders of Stellar and Mash Staffing on the corporate aspects of the transaction.

Help to Buy Regional Price Cap Introduced

From Wednesday 16 December eligible purchasers will be able to apply to the new Help to Buy Equity Loan Scheme. See the full details here:

Last Chance Saloon for Business Tenants

A final deadline has now been set for landlords and tenants to resolve rent arrears.

Government takes new immigration rules to extra time – but clarity at last for clubs on the position after Brexit?

With just a month to spare, the FA - having reached agreement with the Home Office - have confirmed the position that is to apply to all clubs looking to recruit players and coaching staff from outside the UK after 31 December 2020.

Workers from outside the UK – All change from 1 December 2020?

Free movement to and from the European Union will end at midnight on 31 December.

Webinar for charities facing HR challenges

In conjunction with the Norfolk Community Foundation, Harriet Howes, Senior Associate within our Employment Team, will be conducting a lunchtime webinar on Wednesday 16 December 2020 aimed at charities and not-for-profit organisations, to discuss common concerns for employers during lockdown and beyond.

HMRC begins auditing of CJRS claims – act now

The time has now come for HMRC to retrospectively check the validity of many of the CJRS claims. See what they are reviewing, the consequences of "Furlough Fraud" and how to prepare here.

CJRS FURLOUGH update - new guidance and legislation published late on 13 November 2020

Following on from the, perhaps for some, surprising news of the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme allowing for the continued use of Furlough Leave into 2021, the relevant legislation has been published.

EEA Citizens – Time is running out

30 June 2021 - Deadline day

Further Restrictions On Evictions Announced

The Government announced a “winter truce” on evictions.

Frontier Workers and Brexit

The Government has now published The Citizens’ Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. See what this means for Frontier workers here.

Right To Rent Checks

New Guidance released and the introduction of a new online checking service.

Footballers and football clubs at risk of failing to hear the final whistle on Brexit?

Amidst the understandable focus on the impact of Covid-19 on the professional football game, one could be forgiven for failing to pay sufficient attention to what arguably also presents a seismic challenge to domestic football clubs: the arrival of Brexit on 31 December 2020.

FURLOUGH EXTENDED – AGAIN

It may (or may not) come as a surprise that the Chancellor has announced a further extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”) until 31 March 2021.

Contact with your children during lockdown 2.0

During the first lockdown earlier this year there was initially some confusion about whether children could continue to spend time with both parents, or whether the lockdown rules would prevent children moving between their parents’ houses. This article looks at lockdown 2.0:

Furlough Scheme Extended and Job Support Scheme Postponed

One of the words of 2020 perhaps – “furlough” – is back.

New Set of UK Immigration Rules Announced

A new set of Immigration Rules, which are due to come into effect from 1 December 2020, will apply to all non-British and Irish citizens arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021. The rules (being a mere 514 pages long) provide for a number of changes to the existing immigration system. The key changes are as follows:

Update to the Job Support Scheme

The Chancellor has today (22 October 2020) amended his original plans for the scheme that is to replace the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“CJRS”) after it ends on 31 October 2020. The new scheme is known as the “Job Support Scheme Open”.

Tenant Evictions During COVID

The eviction process has now changed, introducing new obstacles and delaying the process. See the full details here.

Chancellor announces changes to the Job Support Scheme: furlough in disguise?

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak has once again pledged additional measures to support businesses that will be severely affected by further lockdown restrictions made in light of Covid-19. See the details here.

Leathes Prior awarded most sociable law firm in the UK for an incredible fourth year running

Leathes Prior is celebrating the news that unbelievably, for an incredible fourth year in a row, the firm has been awarded as ‘The most sociable law firm in the UK’ by the Lex 100; annual trainee solicitor survey.

NHS COVID-19 App launches – The Data Protection Ramifications

The overarching concerns relating to the App concern personal data: what data would be required, what the data would be used for, and would the data be used for reasons other than combating the spread of COVID-19.

Extension of majority of measures to protect struggling businesses - update to Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020

There has been a number of updates to Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020, see a useful summary here.

Details of Winter Economy Plan and update to Track and Trace released

The Chancellor yesterday (24 September 2020) announced the Government’s Winter Economy Plan, see the key changes here.

Protection for Commercial Tenants Extended Again

Following the recent Government announcement, this protection has now been extended again, this time until 31 December 2020.

Exciting conservation project WildEast challenges our region to become one of the biggest, best connected and restored nature reserves in the world

Leathes Prior is delighted to have been instructed to act for WildEast in their aim to make the Eastern region one of the largest, best connected and restored nature reserves in the world, to span 1,250,000 hectares.

Leathes Prior welcomes three new Trainee Solicitors to the firm

Leathes Prior is delighted to welcome three new members of staff with the recruitment of Trainee Solicitors Aimee Lynch-Coleman, Gemma Hughes and James Walker.

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

Leathes Prior is delighted to announce that Myles Chingara has qualified as a Solicitor

ICO publish new Children’s Code to protect data online

The Code itself contains 15 guiding standards that should be met by organisations operating websites and any other online services likely to be accessed by children.

The Kickstart Scheme opens its doors to applications from today (02/09/2020)

The Scheme is designed to give unemployed young people a future of opportunity and hope by creating high-quality, government-subsidised jobs across the UK following the Coronavirus pandemic and to provide a stepping stone to further employment.

EU-US Privacy Shield declared invalid – What you need to know when transferring data from the EU to the US

The decision in Schrems II is one of the most significant developments since the implementation of the GDPR.

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Leathes Prior welcomes new Facilities Manager Matthew Chaplin to the firm

Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience, with ten years managing the Health, Safety and Facilities at a leading International Book Wholesaler Bertram Group.

Students and Schools – What next after results day?

Results day, whether for GCSEs or A-Levels, is a stressful event for all involved. So what should you be doing – as a student or a school – to deal with complaints, appeals and the rest?

Wills witnessed by video link to be made legal

New legislation is to be introduced in September which makes Wills executed via video link legal in England and Wales.

Getting Your Affairs In Order – Registering Your Property at the Land Registry

For many, the most valuable asset within their estate is their home. With this in mind, it is important to consider whether the paperwork for your property is in order.

Landlords & Tenants: making workplaces COVID-secure

A key consideration for businesses that rent their premises will be their right to make alterations.

Health and Care Visa – An opportunity for Health and Care staff?

The government has now confirmed that the new Health and Care Visa will be available from Tuesday 4 August.

Foreign Workers – Government gives more details on the new Points Based System

The Government gave further details on Monday 13 July of how the new Points Based Immigration System will operate from next year when the UK leaves the EU.

Getting Your Affairs in Order - Lasting Powers of Attorney

This article is the second in a series by our Wills, Estates and Powers of Attorneys Team which looks at ways you can get your personal affairs in order.

Pavement Licences: A European twist to the British pub experience

One significant barrier to the hospitality sector's recovery is social distancing.

Reduced rates of Stamp Duty announced by Chancellor

The budget announcements made by Chancellor Rishi Sunak today have certainly got people talking, but the announcement of a Stamp Duty holiday is a big one for the Property Industry.

Chancellor Announces The “Plan For Jobs” Budget

In the latest announcement from the Chancellor today a number of measures of interest to employers were introduced:

Getting Your Affairs In Order - Wills

This article is the first in a series by our Wills, Estates and Powers of Attorneys Team which looks at ways you can put your personal affairs in order.

Updated guidance released on how businesses should collect customer details

At the time of the Prime Minister’s statement, there were a number of question marks over how this would be compatible with data protection law, which the ICO has sought to clarify in its most recent guidance.

Government gives clarity on furlough and EMI options

Until now, the impact of furlough leave on Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) options has been of significant concern to many EMI option holders affected by COVID-19.

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