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It’s widely documented now that sadly, divorce rates are predicted to spike in the coming months due to the extra pressure put on couples to self-isolate together. We’ve seen it happen in China already and unfortunately, it’s not a new concept. With divorce stats typically at their highest after Christmas and the summer holidays when couples have spent a prolonged period of time together, it’s unlikely that the consequences of COVID-19 are going to be any different. So we’ve produced a simple guide, which will hopefully help couples to weather the storm, survive social distancing together and in some cases,...
If you are in the middle of a conveyancing transaction or even if you propose to sell or purchase in the very near future you will be aware that the restrictions that have been placed up on us all by the government in response to the Convid-19 outbreak will have an impact on you. The severity of the impact will very much depend on your individual transaction however on the whole as everyone is in the same boat most transactions will proceed but they will just take longer from the date you agreed the sale until the day you complete....
Many businesses are suffering from the spread of coronavirus and considering what options are available to them to manage their workforce during this turbulent time. Clare Thomas, Solicitor at Bowcock and Pursaill answers some of the most frequently asked questions, including the alternatives to furloughing. Employment: Q&A re Covid-19 Employers have faced unprecedented times in the last few weeks. Even financially healthy businesses must navigate changing government guidance carefully to take advantage of the help offered by the government and protect themselves against employment law claims. We have set out below some of the key points that have arisen over...
Employment Tribunals – an alternative to the queue In 2017 the Employment Tribunal system changed when a UK Supreme Court case declared Employment Tribunal fees unlawful. Employment law solicitor Tim Wolley looks at the effects of this landmark ruling on the employment tribunal process. What is the effect on tribunals? Employment tribunals were a slow process to begin with but with the ruling in 2017, the process of getting to tribunal has continued to slow. This now means the queue of cases is growing along with the number of applications, which increased by 25% this year. This could leave tribunals...
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) – a blessing in disguise? NDAs (confidentiality clauses) are popular in the business world. However, there is a suggestion that NDAs can help employers to cover up any illegal behaviour by paying employees or workers off and then binding them to silence with an NDA. Our Employment solicitor Clare Thomas explains what you can do to protect yourself from unfair NDA terms in settlement agreements. What is an NDA? Often found in settlement agreements – but can also be required before starting a project – NDAs stop business secrets and sensitive information becoming public. Settlement agreements are...
References – to give, or not to give Whether you’re an employer or employee it’s a well-known fact that the majority of employers will want at least one reference with any job application. Clare Thomas, Employment law specialist at Bowcock and Pursaill explains what your rights are when it comes to references. Are references mandatory? It’s mandatory for an employer to give a reference if it’s part of your contractual agreement. For example, if it’s part of an employment contract, settlement agreement, or it has been otherwise agreed between employer and employee. A reference is also mandatory if the employee’s...
Many businesses are suffering from the spread of coronavirus and considering what options are available to them to manage their workforce during this turbulent time. One option is to lay off employees or put them on short-time working. What is lay off and short-time working? Broadly speaking, laying off employees means that the employer provides employees with no work (and no pay) for a period but they remain employees. Short-time working means providing employees with less work (and less pay) over a period but they remain employees. Lay off and short-time working are temporary solutions to save money but without...
PA to Bowcock and Pursaill Partner Catherine Whittles, Maureen Middleton raised £4,000 in a team of five during a sponsored walk in honour of her close friend who has defied the odds after a terminal cancer diagnosis. Maureen and 300 other people took part in the Twilight Walk in Stockport on 7 February and together raised £15,000. Walking on behalf of her friend who has had incredible success with a Cancer Research clinical trial, Maureen walked around Woodbank Memorial Park surrounded by fellow fundraisers thinking of her good friend the whole way. Maureen’s friend of 20 years was diagnosed with...
The UK left the EU at 11pm on Saturday 31 January. The implementation period is until 31st December. During this time the Government will negotiate with the EU. But what does this mean for employers and workers? Employers can still hire EU workers because they continue to have the right to work here; EU nationals have until June 2021 to apply for settled status. Much of our employment law comes from the EU: working time, holiday pay, maternity rights, discrimination. Under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 these rights are saved as “retained EU law”. But will they stay in place...
Founded in 1927, Bowcock & Pursaill has been our clients’ number one choice for solicitors in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire for almost 100 years. We also act on behalf of clients throughout the country.
The firm prides itself on its customer service, offering detailed and bespoke advice to clients thanks to our small and highly specialised team of partners, solicitors and legal executives based in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
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