News Feed

Attracting Foreign Workers After Brexit

The Government continues to announce various measures designed to help foreign workers come to the UK following our departure from the EU.

New insolvency legislation to protect struggling businesses now in force Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020

Following on from government announcements dating back to 28 March 2020 and the introduction to Parliament on 20 May 2020 of proposed legislation aimed at protecting struggling businesses affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, the much anticipated Bill has finally passed its final stage in Parliament and received Royal Assent on 25 June 2020.

Furlough Fraud, Misuse and the Finance Bill: HMRC to fight back?

It is important to distinguish between a furlough “fraud” and a furlough “mistake”.

Service please! The complications of commencing proceedings in a pandemic

These consequences have recently been felt by the Claimant (and her solicitors) in the case of Stanley -v- London Borough of Tower Hamlets, a case involving a claim for breach of data protection by a local council.

Protection from forfeiture for commercial rent arrears extended

The “relevant period” has now been extended to 30 September 2020.

Relaxation of lockdown: new guidance requires restaurants, bars and other businesses to collect customer details

The Prime Minister yesterday announced further relaxation of lockdown restrictions, in particular for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors.

Leathes Prior stand ready to assist the hospitality sector in their 4 July return

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement today

Update on ‘No-Fault Divorce’

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill, is rapidly progressing through Parliament with only a couple of stages remaining until it becomes law.

Leathes Prior advise Angling Direct plc on £5.5 million fund raise

Paul Warman and Nina Ryan of Leathes Prior’s Corporate Team have assisted Angling Direct plc in raising up to £5.5 million through a placing of new shares on the alternative investment market of the London Stock Exchange.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - Flexible Furlough

The Government have now published further guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

New insolvency legislation to protect struggling businesses announced (Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020) - Relief for debtors, worrying times for creditors?

Relief for debtors, worrying times for creditors?

‘No fault divorce’: could significant change to divorce in the UK be just weeks away?

Yesterday (8th June 2020) the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill was backed by MPs with 231 votes to 16 against, with indications that it could be passed as soon as July 2020. It is a move welcomed by many as a means to allow couples the opportunity to end their marriage without the need to apportion blame.

Coronavirus: Commercial Tenants In Rent Arrears - Get Protected

Whilst the Government has recently implemented various measures to help protect commercial tenants in rent arrears, these measures will not remain in place indefinitely. Tenants should make sure they protect themselves before these measures are lifted.

Phase Two of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Announced

Further detail has emerged following the Chancellor’s announcement last Friday evening which confirmed the headline details of the revised Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

The NHS Test and Trace System – what should an employer be aware of?

This System looks set to become an integral part of the nation’s recovery strategy. Partner and Head of Employment, Dan Chapman talks us through what this means for the employer.

Tips for Divorce and Financial Settlement

Leathes Prior’s Family Team share some tips for coping during the difficult separation process.

Employing Tier 2 and 5 Migrants during the current Covid-19 crisis

The Home Office have confirmed that employers can continue to employ an employee who is waiting for their Tier 2 or 5 visa application to be decided if:

Coronavirus - it’s good to talk

Whether your employees are working from home, on Furlough Leave or are preparing to return to the office, taking into account their health and wellbeing, and anticipating their concerns, is crucial in order to ensure a smooth transition in the physical return to the workplace.

New COVID-19 Secure Health & Safety advice issued today

The Government have today issued further brief guidance to all businesses

Coronavirus – Future Fund goes live today

Following its announcement on 20 April 2020 by the Chancellor, the Future Fund targeted at supporting high growth companies has today opened for applications, which can be made through to the end of September 2020.

Leaseholders: Extending Your Lease During COVID-19

The fallout from COVID-19 is still to be assessed and it is important now, more than ever, to plan ahead and ensure that our financial positions are such that we are best placed to weather any storm that may lie ahead.

Back to work? Reassessing your business property needs beyond COVID-19 lockdown

As the UK business world is slowly re-opening its doors, for many working from home has become a day to day reality since the lockdown measures were announced. We are helping many businesses consider their property needs going forward and can help your business take this important next step.

Getting The Market Moving - A Further Update

The Government advice on home moving during the COVID outbreak has now been updated

Update - What lies ahead for Commercial Property

With the recent changes to Government guidance and legislation, many parts of the commercial sector are now looking at a phased return over the next couple of months.

Buying and Selling Properties at Auction

Buying or selling a property at auction need not be unduly complicated. This article gives a few pointers to help you consider whether or not you should consider looking at an auction going forward.

Getting the Property Market Moving COVID-Secure

Re-starting the Property Market. The latest legislation has been released!

Making your Business COVID-Secure – Free Compulsory Risk Assessment

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 10 May 2020 which has prompted a change of emphasis in encouraging businesses to return to work where safe to do so, further detailed and sector-by-sector guidance was published late on 11 May 2020.

Latest guidance issued by CAFCASS to assist children and families

CAFCASS, the ‘Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service’ have issued Guidance on their website to assist separated parents in coming to arrangements for their children during the current crisis.

Furlough Leave – What can I ask my Employees to do?

This article covers the basics of what an Employee cannot do whilst on Furlough Leave and looks at the issues facing the Modern Employer.

Contact tracing apps: is the data privacy risk worth the benefit?

As a key part of the next phase of fighting the pandemic, the Government are proposing the use of “contact tracing” apps. These apps will aim to track the spread of COVID-19 and allow for people to be notified if they have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for the virus.

Game Changer: Land Registry relax ID rules in response to Covid-19

The Land Registry have announced welcome (albeit currently temporary) changes when verifying a person’s identity and for signing deeds which will ease at least some of the difficulties faced in completing on conveyancing transactions.

Leathes Prior nominated to win Best Recruiter award

Leathes Prior are extremely proud to have received two nominations in the LawCareers.net Awards 2020.

Leathes Prior congratulates Partner Tim Cary listed in the “Legal 500 Hall of Fame”

We are proud to announce that Leathes Prior Partner Tim Cary, has been named for his work across the transport sector in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame which aims to highlight the world’s leading lawyers.

Easing the lockdown – the challenges facing employers as the workplace resumes

The transition as businesses re-open and employees return from home-working or furlough leave will lead to new challenges for employers to manage, and these will arguably be more difficult and elongated than the initial lockdown.

UK Government to increase protection for Commercial Tenants as Landlords look to side-step the 3-month long forfeiture ban

The UK Government has announced that it will introduce new legislation preventing landlords from using what is being described as ‘aggressive debt collection tactics’ against their commercial tenants.

“Bounce Back Loan Scheme” announced for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

The “Bounce Back Loan Scheme” is designed to overcome the difficulty and delays some businesses have encountered in applying for the Government’s other schemes.

Coronavirus – Future Fund for Innovative Companies

Last week, the Chancellor announced two new business support packages for innovation companies; one targeted at supporting high growth companies (the “Future Fund”), and another providing grants for Small and Medium Enterprises focused on research and development.

Residential Property Update

Leathes Prior - still here to help you.

Employing existing workers from the European Union after Brexit

Citizens of the European Union already here need to take certain steps to retain the right to live and work here by applying for the necessary permission under the EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021.

Employers advised to apply now for licence to sponsor overseas workers once free movement ends

The Government has recently issued further clarification on how the employment landscape will change after the UK leaves the European Union next January

Continuing to act for you!

During this difficult time, the Wills, Estates and Lasting Powers of Attorney Team is continuing to find innovative and flexible ways to act for clients.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – Update: 15 April 2020

Although future amendments are possible, the fourth version of the guidance read alongside the law could well be the definitive guidance on how the CJRS is to operate.

Carluccio’s – early judicial consideration of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Even though the CJRS was only announced by the Chancellor on 20 March 2020 and the published guidance notes still leaving many questions unanswered, remarkably, the first legal consideration of the Scheme has already been heard in the High Court.

What are the Capital Gains Tax changes for property sales and how do they affect me?

As from 6 April 2020 anyone who makes a taxable gain when selling residential property will have to account to HMRC within 30 days of completion of the sale/disposal – this means not only submitting a Return but also accounting for any tax due.

Leathes Prior team up with Legal Tech company Settify

During these challenging times, Leathes Prior has teamed up with Settify to provide new clients with a helpful and discrete way to interact with our Family Team remotely.

Furlough Leave (part 2) – The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Following the initial announcement by the Chancellor on 20 March introducing the concept of Furlough Leave and furloughed workers, there has been a huge take up from businesses across the UK.

Coronavirus: Wills, A Possible Change in the Law…

For many, the law is often seen as rigid and slow to change with an emphasis on tradition and formalities. Despite that, The Law Society are in discussions with the Ministry of Justice to urgently change the requirements on the witnessing of Wills.

Updated Statement for clients regarding Wills.

We are still here for you!

Government confirms children from separated families CAN continue to see both parents during Coronavirus lockdown

It is understandable that there will be confusion amongst separated parents about what the impact of the lockdown will be and whether their usual living/contact arrangements for their children can continue.

Coronavirus: Tips for Commercial Landlords now faced with rent arrears

If tenants cannot afford to pay their rent then landlords and tenants alike should consider their options as soon as possible. This article sets out the options available for landlords when their tenants are unable to pay rent.

Coronavirus: Tips for Commercial Tenants now unable to pay rent

If tenants cannot afford to pay their rent then landlords and tenants alike should consider their options as soon as possible. This article considers the options available for commercial tenants who are unable to pay their rent.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Furlough leave - what is it?

Employers and employees (and even employment lawyers) all raised eyebrows at the Chancellor’s use of the term ‘furlough’ on 20 March as part of the latest Government response to the coronavirus crisis – but we all need to become accustomed to it, as it promises to be one of the most significant developments in UK employment law of all time.

What can I do about the arrangements for my children during the Coronavirus outbreak?

For many separated parents, the coronavirus pandemic is creating its own unique challenges and is likely to cause disruption to the usual arrangements for children.

Coronavirus: How It Is Affecting Commercial Contracts

For business owners forced or deciding to suspend or cancel operations as a result of this pandemic, there are very real challenges in managing contractual relationships and avoiding potentially ruinous claims.

Coronavirus: The Impact on Termination of Commercial Leases

This is the first article in a series of articles setting out the likely legal impacts resulting from the global Coronavirus pandemic. In this article we consider options for terminating a commercial lease.

Statement for clients regarding Wills, Estates and Powers of Attorney.

We are still here!

Legal Musts for Commercial Landlords and Tenants - A Legal Update

Given the current uncertain and ever-changing position, this article covers some general points you may wish to consider in regards to any existing lease, whether you are a landlord or a tenant.

Coronavirus: What personal information can be collected and used?

In this article, we consider what information an organisation can collect in relation to coronavirus, how that personal information can be used and to whom it can be disclosed.

Landlords: Is a Housing Court the answer to your prayers?

Imagine taking your mobile phone from your pocket, unlocking it, and handing it to the nearest stranger.

Leathes Prior assist Samurai Sportswear in deal with Leicester Tigers

Samurai Sportswear have agreed a three-year deal with Premiership Rugby Club Leicester Tigers.

Leathes Prior Assist Salix River & Wetland Services Limited in sale to RSK

We are pleased to announce that Leathes Prior have acted for the shareholders of Salix River & Wetland Services Limited on the sale of the company to RSK Environmental Ltd.

Fender rocked by £4.5 million fine

Jimi Hendrix, Nile Rogers, Jeff Beck, Bruce Springsteen, George Harrison. What do these great musicians all have in common?

How Climate Change Can Affect Your Home

Associate, Sabina Haag takes us through the potential impact of climate change on your home.

When an email exchange constitutes a contract

“Please go ahead with the below”

Leathes Prior is delighted to announce a significant IT infrastructure upgrade

As a key step towards providing the most innovative of services, Leathes Prior is delighted to announce a significant IT infrastructure upgrade, moving from traditional IT services to a Hyper-Converged Infrastructure.

Charity Of The Year 2020

Leathes Prior are proud to announce that we will be supporting St Martins Housing as our Charity Of The Year throughout 2020.

Charity Of The Year 2019 - The Final Figure

Leathes Prior are proud to announce that last year, we raised £4000 for our Charity of the Year - ‘Let’s Do it Anyway’!

Leathes Prior advises on College Merger

Leathes Prior Partners, Richard Guthrie and Lucy Whipps advised Suffolk New College on the merger with Suffolk New College to become Suffolk Rural.

You Are What You Eat?

Following on from the landmark ruling we published back in September 2019, a second case has emerged, this time focusing on veganism.

Leathes Prior Assist With Sale of Award Winning Business

Broads Tours and Norfolk Broads Direct, one of the largest boating companies on the Norfolk Broads, have sold the business back to the previous owner Len Funnell.

Leathes Prior advise owners of Chell Instruments Ltd in sale to SDI Group

Leathes Prior Partner, Paul Warman advises Chell Instruments Ltd in sale to SDI Group.

Leathes Prior assist with acquisition of Veterinary Practice

Leathes Prior is delighted to have assisted with the acquisition on behalf of CVS Group.

Can an employer change an employee’s contract without their consent?

Senior Associate, Gareth Stevens takes us through the latest #BoycottAsda hashtag that has been trending on social media.

Changes to Capital Gains Tax rules on divorce

Associate Simon Willis takes us through the significant implications for divorcing couples due to the changes in CGT on 6 April 2020.

What is the fastest growing family type in the UK?

Family Solicitor, Carla Morphett takes us through the Office for National Statistics latest survey of trends in living arrangements within the UK.

Leathes Prior Employment Team in EAT Success

Leathes Prior’s Employment Team, led by Senior Associate Gareth Stevens, have backed up obtaining interim relief for their client at the Employment Tribunal (a rare outcome indeed) with a successful Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) judgment.

IR35; are you ready for 2020?

Partner and Head of the Employment Team - Dan Chapman takes us through the IR35 changes due in 2020.

Responding to Subject Access Requests

Solicitor, Jack Horwitz talks us through James Pavur's study and how to best review Subject Access Requests.

Leathes Prior assist on MBO of Greensleeves Lawn Care

Leathes Prior are pleased to have been able to assist on the management buyout (MBO) of Huddersfield-based Greensleeves Lawn Care Limited.

Adverse Possession: Is your land a squat-free zone? What can you do to protect your land?

Land. For most, the single biggest asset they will ever own. Whether it’s your residence, a place of business or simply somewhere to enjoy, it deserves the very best protection possible.

Boris, Brussels and Brexit 2.0 – Potential Impacts of a No-Deal Brexit for Divorce & Family Law

This article seeks to set out what impact a No-Deal Brexit may have on Divorce and Family Law.

Leathes Prior help specialist fishing retailer Angling Direct buy out competitor

Leathes Prior are pleased to have been able to assist Norfolk fishing retailer Angling Direct plc in their latest acquisition of the well-established Erics Angling Centre, which sees the addition of the Company’s first lakeside premises at Farlows Lake in Buckinghamshire.

Lessons to learn from Debenhams’ CVA

Debenhams recently had its plans for a Company Voluntary Arrangement largely upheld by the High Court. The retailer went into administration earlier this year and its owners opted to enter into a CVA to arrange for the closure of some of its fledgling stores.

Leathes Prior awarded as the most social law firm in the UK for third year running

Leathes Prior, for an incredible third year in a row, has been heralded as ‘The most social law firm in the UK’ according to the Lex 100 annual trainee solicitor survey!

What is a Separation Agreement?

Solicitor Carla Morphett takes us through what a Separation Agreement is and how to get one.

Should I stop e-signing my emails?

Solicitor Chris Goodwin takes us through the case of Neocleous & Anor v Rees and how it may change the way you write and sign off your emails.

Liverpool FC - Trade mark bid fails

Liverpool F.C.’s application to trade mark the word ‘Liverpool’ in relation to certain goods and services was rejected last week by the government’s Intellectual Property Office due to “the geographical significance” of Liverpool as a city.

Leathes Prior delighted to welcome three new Trainee Solicitors to the firm

Leathes Prior’s 2019 intake of Trainee Solicitors have joined the firm - Ellie Davies, Matthew Hodgson and Nicolas Price.

Swardeston CC Royal London Club Champions

Leathes Prior were made very proud as Swardeston CC sponsors yesterday as they secured the win against Nantwich CC in the final of the Royal London Club Championship at Lord's.

Leathes Prior in Landmark Employment Tribunal Ruling on Vegetarianism

In a ruling thought to be the first of its kind, the Employment Tribunal has held that vegetarianism is not a ‘protected characteristic’ for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.

Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill dropped

Earlier this week the family law campaigning body Resolution confirmed that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill had been dropped, which came as a shock to many given the wide support that the Bill had enjoyed from the public to date.

Leathes Prior are pleased to announce their appointment as legal advisors to the recently formed Association for Performance Scientists in Sport.

The Association is a representative body for all practitioners who work in professional football in sports science, nutrition, performance analysis, psychology or fitness roles.

‘Generation Z’ more likely to implement a Pre-Nuptial Agreement prior to getting married

Results released this week from a YouGov survey suggest that 'Generation Z' are more likely to implement a Pre-Nuptial Agreement prior to getting married

What is a Pre-Nuptial Agreement and what are the benefits?

Stefan Donnelly takes us through Pre-Nuptial Agreements including a checklist to help ensure the Agreement has the best chance of being upheld.

We Need to Talk: Putting children first during separation

All of the lawyers in the Family Team at Leathes Prior are members of Resolution.

What happens if my cohabiting partner dies without making a Will?

The simple answer is...

Leathes Prior act for Sellers: ‘The Richards name will live on’: Haulage firm bought out by Turners in £475m deal

Two multi-million pound haulage businesses have joined forces after a share buyout - creating a partnership worth more than £475m.

The Court of Protection: When are Personal Welfare Deputyship Orders granted?

Associate, Claire Woolliscroft takes us through Personal Welfare Deputyship Orders, Best interest decisions and Parental Responsibility.

NO DEAL BREXIT FOR EMPLOYERS – WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

So if there is a No Deal Brexit, what would this mean for employers and their employees?

No Deal, No Data Transfer? The impact of a “no deal” Brexit on international data transfers under the GDPR

This article considers how international transfers would be affected and the steps that businesses reliant on transferring data outside the UK can take to plan for a “no deal” scenario.

Categories